Cowes is located on the northern tip of the Isle of Wight, is its main port, and is universally acknowledged as one the worlds premier centres for yachting and yacht races. Split by the River Medina (which flows down to Newport, the capital of the Isle of Wight), Cowes and East Cowes, were allegedly named after sandbanks that bore a similarity to cows. Its early history involved both invasions from, and smuggling to France, and these activities obviously helped to cultivate its strong seafaring traditions. Cowes and East Cowes became a single urban district in 1933, and are linked by a chain ferry.

Cowes has enjoyed a long history of Royal patronage which probably started when a 60 man ship was built for Queen Elizabeth I in 1589, and was continued by the construction of magnificent holiday home (Osborne House) in 1845 for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Its reputation for sailing took off due to King George IV's passion for sailing, when the Royal Yacht Squadron organised the first 3 day regatta in 1826, (which ultimately became Cowes Regatta or Cowes Week). It is now the worlds longest running regatta, with multiple daily races for yachts of all sizes and types. Typically, over a thousand boats partipate, and many other private and corporate craft jostle in the Solent to admire the spectacle.

The event is not confined to the water though, as live music, parties, fireworks and giant marquees, add to the plethora of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants in the busy, narrow streets of the town, giving a unique and vibrant carnival atmosphere. As Cowes Week is the highlight of the sailing year in the Solent, the demand for a Solent yacht charter (or rib hire) is very high, and prices reflect this. Cowes is a great place to visit throughout the sailing season though, but if you do want a yacht charter or Solent rib charter during Cowes Week, then it is recommended that you book early.

The Royal Yacht Squadron were also instrumental in setting up many of the major sailing events in the Solent. Many other illustrious sailing and yachting clubs were subsequently established in Cowes, including the Royal London YC, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Cowes Corinthian YC, Royal Corinthian YC, East Cowes Sailing Club, Cowes Combined Clubs, Island Sailing Club and Gurnard Sailing Club.

Although you could easily spend a week in Cowes just admiring the boats, the scenery, the ornate architecture, and the pubs and restaurants of course, there are also a number of other attractions that are well worth a visit. The previously mentioned Osborne House is one, Northwood House (donated to the town in 1929) is another, as is The Sir Max Aitken Museum which contains an impressive collection of sailing memorabilia. Although the son of Lord Beaverbrook, Sir Max Aitken personally disclaimed the title. He was a racing yacht enthusiast, and his many contributions to sailing included founding the London Boat Show.

As you would expect from such a centre of sailing excellence, Cowes contains an abundance of mooring options, and we would be happy to advise on these. For more information about a Solent or Cowes Yacht Charter (for private or Corporate events), please get in touch with us, or request a call-back at a time that is most convenient for you.

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