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With so much happening at Cowes Week 2014, we’ve rounded up the top nine things to see and do at this year’s regatta.


Family Day
Sunday, August 3rd

With thousands of families regularly attending Cowes Week, this year’s event is featuring even more family-friendly activities so parents and their children can get more out of the regatta. Activities include:

  • On-the-water spot prizes for racing families with prizes from Bainbridge International, Liz Earle and Gill
  • Family activities will be held throughout the day with UKSA at Cowes Yacht Haven
  • Cowes Yacht Haven will also be hosting a number of circus and theatre workshops throughout the day with Wight Stars
  • Children’s flag-making, colouring and painting competitions at the Solent Events and Britannia Bar in Cowes Yacht Haven from 11am – 4.30pm


Ladies Day
Thursday, August 8th

Since 2006, Ladies Day at Cowes Week has celebrated women in sailing, recognising the major successes of women in the sport. The main event of the day is the evening reception at which the Ladies Day Trophy is awarded. The trophy recognises an outstanding contribution, commitment or achievement of a woman in sailing.

Last year’s winner was Paralympic gold medallist Helena Lucas, who was commended for her determination throughout her Olympic campaigns and for inspiring and encouraging others into the sport.

This year’s winner will be announced at 7pm at the Aberdeen Asset Management hospitality marquee at Cowes Yacht Haven.

There are a number of fun activities to get involved in to celebrate Ladies Day, including:

  • Ladies Lunch with The Hambrough at Northwood House for £25 a head. To book a table, call: 01983 293642
  • On-the-water spot prizes awarded to female sailors courtesy of Gill, Liz Earle and Bainbridge International
  • Competitions with the Breeze FM on Cowes Parade throughout the day

The Artemis Challenge
Thursday, August 8th

This year sees the return of the eighth annual Artemis Challenge, a 50-mile high-speed sprint round the Isle of Wight for IMOCA 60s, Volvo Ocean 65s and MOD70s.

The winner will take home the Artemis Challenge Trophy and £10,000 will be donated to a charity of their choice. The race sets off at 10am from the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Mount Gay Rum Red Cap Party
Thursday, August 7th

This legendary party brings the flavour of the Caribbean to Shepards Wharf Marina, with live music, potent cocktails and even a pop-up beach designed to draw all the après sailing crowd. The first 500 people through the door will get one of the much sought-after red caps. The party kicks off at 6pm and goes on until 2am – if you’ve still got enough wind in your sails.


Try sailing with UKSA
All week

Fancy getting out on the water rather than just watching from the shore? UKSA are offering sailing taster sessions between 9.30am and 6pm all week for a donation of just £5.

You can visit the team at Cowes Yacht Haven to book your place and begin your love of sailing.

Fine Art Sails demo race
Thursday, August 8th

Fine Art Sails will be holding a demo race off The Green where you can watch some close-to-shore racing between world class sailors in a spectacular display of globally acclaimed art.

A series of three races in the Olympic Star Class start from 5pm, so make sure you head down early to get a great view.


Red Arrows aerobatic display
Friday, 9th August

The world-renowned Red Arrows will once again be putting on a magnificent display at this year’s Cowes Week. The Royal Air Force aerobatic team will be showing off their skills from 7.30pm – you don’t want to miss it!

Cowes fireworks display
Friday, 9th August

As
tradition, Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week will host a spectacular
fireworks display to celebrate the week-long event. Held on the final
day, the display is an integral part of Cowes Week and one of the most
popular attractions for tourists and locals alike.

This year’s
fireworks will begin at 9.30pm, with some of the best places to watch
the show ashore being Cowes Parade, Castle Hill, Princes’ Green as far
as Egypt Point and East Cowes Promenade.

You can also watch the display from the water thanks to Red Funnel and their fireworks cruises.

The Blades aerobatic display
Saturday, August 2nd

The
Blades aerobatic display team will be performing over Cowes at 7pm. The
Blades team consists of former Red Arrow pilots and they are famous
across the globe for their world-class aerobatic routines.

The
Blades are experts in their field, or should I say skies, and the team
boast some of the country’s most experienced display pilots, currently
holding the Guinness World Record for the most number of consecutive
formation loops.

For more information see the Cowes Weeks website.