COWES WEEK ON THE BEAUTIFUL ISLE OF WIGHT

31ST July – 7th August 2010

Now in its 184th year, the Isle of Wight is busy preparing to welcome visitors to Cowes Week for what promises to be another action packed regatta. Taking place in the challenging waters off Cowes, this sailing spectacular is sure to excite professionals and amateurs alike as well as entertain those on shore with a full programme of entertainments throughout the week.

A major event in the Island’s festival calendar, Cowes Week is one of the UK’s longest running and most successful sporting events. Around 8,500 competitors now participate, ranging from Olympic and world class yachtsmen to weekend sailors. Over 1,000 boats take part from classic day boats to high-tech racing machines.

The spectacle that the racing provides, together with the vibrant festival atmosphere ashore attracts over 100,000 visitors to Cowes during the event, including its fair share of celebrities. Visitors benefit from an abundance of bars, restaurants and cafes as well as daily musical entertainment and spectacular events including an aerial display from the Red Arrows. Perhaps most impressive is the traditional fireworks display, which wows the crowds on the final Friday of the regatta.

On onshore itinerary of cocktail parties and yacht club balls makes Cowes Week internationally renowned, with people returning year after year for exhilarating sailing by day and partying by night.

If you are not out on the water, why not hang out on the Parade and watch all the action from the decked garden whilst sipping a nice cool drink. There is live music throughout the day providing the perfect place from which to soak up the atmosphere.

Whether it’s to be a spectator to the amazing offshore races, take part or just to enjoy a day out with a difference, Cowes week offers a fusion of many exciting elements to please everyone.

For more information about the event visit http://www.iwight.com/just_visiting/yachting/cowesweek/