Cowes Week is one of the UK’s longest running and most successful sporting events and is a key highlight of the British sporting summer. The event has been held in early August every year since 1826 except during the two world wars. This year Cowes Week took place from 31 July – 7 August.
With so many boats and competitors taking part, the regatta provides something for everyone. Cowes Week is renowned for bringing people together from all walks of life and from across the globe and is a firm favourite with families, the armed forces, charitable causes, as well a huge number of Cowes Week faithfuls.
Cowes Week 2010 was the most thrilling yet with changeable weather conditions making for a week of fast-paced and exciting racing. A total of 896 entries and around 8,000 sailors experienced some world-class racing during the Week with 40 daily races staged for over 1,000 boats. Both competitors and spectators also enjoyed an exciting and varied social scene off the water in Cowes. The shore-side programme for Cowes Week 2010 provided the perfect complement to a packed racing schedule and succeeded in delivering the usual vibrant, festival atmosphere ashore for which Cowes Week is so well known.
A special highlight for 2010 included free entry to Cowes Yacht Haven where live acts including T.Rextasy, David Van Day, LEKIDDO – Lord of The Lobsters! from Sky1's Pineapple Dance Studios and the ultimate party band Doctor and the Medics performed to packed crowds. As the traditional Cowes Week fireworks illuminated the skies on Friday evening, Yacht Haven audiences were treated to a fantastic live set from the Glam City Rockers- a group put together exclusively for Cowes Week starring original members of The Glitter Band, Hello and Girls School.
Elsewhere in Cowes visitors to the town were able to sample the best of Island produce, Island bands and street entertainers. There was also a pop-up restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Robert Thompson along with numerous other delicious food outlets. Off shore highlights included The British America’s Cup team “Teamorigin” racing against existing defender “Bmworacle” in the inaugural 1851 Cup event, the UK leg of the Extreme Sailing Series, RNLI Charity Day on Monday 2 Aug and Ladies Day on Wednesday 4 August. The Ladies Day Trophy celebrates the achievements and contributions of women in sailing and this year was won by accomplished sailor Louise Morton.
For a day-by-day breakdown of all the activities on the water, please visit the official Cowes Week website or click here to view the overall sailing results.