Cowes Week Sailing. Image: Isle of Wight Photo Agency
Whether you’re a competitor at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, are interested in watching the racing, or simply want to be involved in the festival atmosphere of the event, there are loads of things to see and do during Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight.
Entertainment
The event offers a unique variety of entertainment, with something for everyone.
Details of the entertainment schedule can be found by clicking the relevant day of the event below.
Friday, 10th August : Saturday, 11th August : Sunday,12th August :
Monday, 13th August : Tuesday, 14th August : Wednesday, 15th August :
Thursday, 16th August : Friday, 17th August : Saturday 18th August
One of the great things about Cowes Week is that spectators can watch much of the racing from the shore. The Green and The Parade are great places to view the action and spectators also now have a number of fantastic opportunities to go afloat.
Royal Yacht Squadron Cannons. Image © Isle of Wight Photo Agency
Watch ashore
One of the best locations to watch the starts ashore each morning is undoubtedly the area between the Castle of the Royal Yacht Squadron and the cannons – as long as you don’t mind the loud bangs! Here you can get right on the line and see who got the best start and which boats were over the line. You can also hear the race officers giving their countdowns and calling the starts from the Royal Yacht Squadron battlements. In the afternoon, head along the Green towards Egypt Point to watch the Cowes Week fleet as they finish.
Get afloat
For those wanting to watch from the water, there are a number of spectator boat options, offering trips to watch the racing action up close. If watching the racing gives you the sailing bug, then why not have a go?
Take to the skies
New for 2012, pleasure flights are offered from as little as £35. Take in the beauty of the Island and the spectacular sight of 900 racing boats vying for position on the busy Solent waters.
Cowes Week Parade. Image: Isle of Wight Photo Agency.
Walk the town
There’s also no shortage of things to see and do ashore. Cowes boasts a host of clothing and lifestyle shops where you can indulge in some retail therapy, as well as many art galleries and other delights. You can enjoy a coffee or long lunch at one of the many pubs or restaurants, pay a visit to Cowes Maritime Museum on Beckford Road, or hop over to East Cowes on the floating bridge to visit the Classic Boat Centre and Osborne House, once Queen Victoria’s holiday home.
Of course, if you’re simply interested in soaking up the festival atmosphere and enjoying the live entertainments, there are a number of key venues which each offer something different.
Listen live
Stay tuned in to Cowes Radio on 87.7 throughout Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. This special event radio station is an integral part of the event, keeping you up to date with everything going on. In addition, EventTV, the event’s dedicated broadcast channel, will be show on screens throughout Cowes so you can watch the race action unfold live onscreen, enjoy the highlights footage and keep up-to-date with news and the all-important results!
Come and be part of it – Saturday 11 to Saturday 18 August 2012! For more information visit www.cowesweek.co.uk
Explore the Island
No matter how long you visit the Isle of Wight for, the likelihood is that it still won’t be long enough! There are so many things to do that you’re likely to want to come back again and again. There is something to suit everyone and many of the attractions are classed as Quality Assured Attractions having been assessed for the high standard of customer care they provide for visitors.
You could get a taste of the Isle of Wight’s history and culture by visiting one of the museums, galleries or historic sites. Get closer to nature by enjoying a countryside walk or visit one of the fantastic animal attractions. Alternatively, keep the kids entertained at a fun park or one another one of the many other attractions and places to visit.
If you enjoy outdoor activities, the Isle of Wight has it all. The stunning coastline and warm climate mean that this Isle of the perfect playground for those who love the outdoors. Riding, walking and cycling are freely available for those of all abilities, with more than 500 miles of footpaths and 165 miles of bridleways waiting to be discovered.
Osborne Bay Beach. Image Isle of Wight Photo Agency.
If you’re after something a little more extreme, you can try your hand at tree climbing, paragliding, or sailing with knowledgeable guides, or sit back and watch the experts do it, with several top class events taking place throughout the year.
There are many shopping opportunities on the Isle of Wight for those looking for some retail therapy. The artistic heritage of the Island means that there are plenty of arts and craft outlets, selling everything from handcrafted jewellery to sculptured glass and wood carvings. There is also a range of fantastic locally produced food and drink available, with local farm shops and the weekly Farmers’ Market catering for all your needs.
Finally, a visit to the Island wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of the famous Isle of Wight beaches. There are currently 14 award-winning beaches, all managed to the highest standards and inspected daily.
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