Entries now open for 200th anniversary of Cowes Week

Cowes Week returns this August. <i>(Image: Cowes Week)</i>
Cowes Week returns this August. (Image: Cowes Week)
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Sailors from around the globe are expected to converge on the Isle of Wight again this summer.

Entries are now open for the landmark 200th anniversary of Cowes Week, which will take place in August and mark two centuries of the world-famous regatta.

First held in August 1826, Cowes Week began with just seven cutters racing off Cowes Castle and has since grown into the largest and most well-known Corinthian sailing regatta in the world.

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Cowes Week returns this August. (Image: Cowes Week)

Bob Trimble, chairman of Cowes Week, said: "The strength of Cowes Week has always come from its community – the sailors, volunteers, partners and clubs who make the regatta possible year after year.

"As we open entries for our 200th anniversary, we have held entry fees at 2025 rates so that we can mark this milestone with as many boats as possible, celebrating both the sporting excellence and the spirit of camaraderie that define Cowes Week."

The regatta is expected to attract a bumper fleet, with organisers confirming that entry fees will remain frozen at 2025 levels to encourage broad participation.

Racing will take place from August 1 to 7, with more than 37 classes invited, ranging from classic Solent one-designs to modern, high-performance yachts.

The event’s Notice of Race is now available online and provides full details for competitors.

Organisers say the 200th anniversary will feature a year of onshore and offshore celebrations, including exhibitions and the return of popular events from past regattas.

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The regatta is made possible by around 200 volunteers from nine yacht clubs and has only been cancelled three times in its history - during the two World Wars and the Covid pandemic.

The J70 class will open the racing on August 1, starting from the Royal Yacht Squadron line at 10.30am.

The final prizegiving will be held on August 7.

Cowes Week continues to appeal to a broad spectrum of sailors, from first-time competitors and family crews to professionals and lifelong Corinthian racers.

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