Cowes Week 2025: The countdown to race time begins

Cowes Week day 7 © Ingrid Abery / www.ingridabery.com

With just a few days to go, Cowes Week 2025 is shaping up to be another unforgettable celebration of sailing and summer. Entries are already ahead of last year, and anticipation is building for one of the world's most iconic regattas.

Following the success of 2024--hailed by many competitors as one of the best Cowes Weeks in recent years--hopes are high for more spectacular racing, socialising, and entertainment both on and off the water. From consistent sea breezes to lighter days that sent the fleet eastward, last year's conditions provided something for everyone. Organisers are crossing their fingers for more of the same this August.

World-Class Racing for All

Cowes Week is not just a regatta - it's a series of individual races with trophies awarded daily across most classes. Whether competitors are racing the full seven days or just one, they can take part in this prestigious event.

This year's regatta will feature:

• IRC classes (divided into 8 classes)
• One-design fleets
• Performance Cruisers
• Club Cruisers
• Weekend Warriors (Saturday to Monday racing only)

In total, there will be 35 starts each day, making Cowes Week one of the most varied and inclusive regattas on the sailing calendar.

Racing begins on Saturday 2 August, with the J/70 class starting at 10:45 from the Royal Yacht Squadron line, and IRC6 from Committee Vessel One at 11:00. Weekday start times are 15 minutes earlier. A Skippers' Briefing will be held at 18:30 on Friday 1 August at the Event Centre, Cowes Yacht Haven.

A word from the Organisers

Bob Trimble, Chair of Cowes Week Limited, commented:
'There's something very special about Cowes Week - the blend of world-class racing, rich heritage, and incredible onshore atmosphere creates a unique experience for sailors and spectators alike. We're thrilled with the number of entries so far and look forward to welcoming both returning crews and new competitors to the Solent for what promises to be a spectacular 2025 regatta.'

Social Highlights

• Official Cocktail Party - Sunday 3 August, 18:30-20:00. Held on the lawn of the Royal Yacht Squadron, this elegant evening remains a highlight of the regatta and this year supported by Bolney Wine Estate, Mount Gay Rum and Salcombe Gin. A limited number of tickets remain.

• Musto Competitor Opening Party - Saturday 2 August, 21:00. Olympic gold medallist and DJ Mark Covell will kick off the festivities. Wristbands available at the Regatta Office.

• Family Day - Sunday 3rd August. Enjoy family themed activities on the Parade and at Northwood House. Mount Gay Après Sail Party - Thursday 7 August, from 16:00. Caribbean vibes return to Cowes Yacht Haven courtesy of long-time sponsor Mount Gay Rum. Open to all.

• Royal Navy Day - Thursday 7 August. Enjoy performances by The Band of His Majesty's Royal Marines, Collingwood at 3pm (Northwood House) and 6pm (The Parade), followed by a Black Cats Helicopter Display and Fairey Swordfish Display at 7pm. The Royal Navy Guardship will also be on station at Trinity Buoy from Monday to add to the spectacle.

• Overall Prize Giving - Friday 8 August at 19:30 in the Event Centre on Cowes Yacht Haven.

Enter Now

Entries remain open, with options to race by the day or for the full week. To enter, visit www.cowesweek.co.uk/go/enter