Service StatusCowes Week
Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar since 1826 and is one of the UK’s longest running and most successful sporting events. Today it is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world, staging some 40 races each day for over 1,000 boats. Red Funnel has been an Official Supplier to Cowes Week since 2006.
Cowes Week is a fusion of many exciting elements, with its great mix of competitive sailing and shoreside events. The 8,500 competitors range from Olympic and world class professionals to complete novices. In excess of 100,000 spectators come to watch the sailing, enjoy the parties and live entertainment, and to experience the unique atmosphere. It is genuinely a one-of-a-kind event – come and see for yourself!
What happens at Cowes Week?
Cowes Week is primarily a sailing regatta, with numerous classes of boats and crews from all backgrounds and abilities, including enthusiatic amateurs to some of the best sailors in the world.
The sailing happens throughout the day, with tides dictating the start-times. In Cowes, there is a huge variety of entertainment and activities on offer, spread along the promenade and inside the marinas.
Things to do
Cowes Week offers a wide variety of entertainment, with something to suit all tastes, from beer tents to live music stages and stalls selling all manner of both sailing and non-sailing goodies.
If you'd like to get out on the water and experience the action first-hand, there are usually a numbe rof options available including RIB charter and motor boat charter.
Travel to Cowes Week
On Foot - We would recommend those heading to Cowes Week travel as foot passengers on the Red Jet Hi-Speed service as this provides the quickest and easiest route to West Cowes, and parking is extremely limited.
Terminal 2, for the Red Jet Hi-Speed foot passenger service to West Cowes is located on Town Quay, SO14 2PQ. If arriving by train, there is a FREE shuttle bus service called CityLink which departs approx. every 10 minutes from Southampton Central for the Red Jet terminal. Click here for more info.
With a car - Our terminal in Southampton is located at Dock Gate 7 off Town Quay Road, SO14 2AQ. For detailed directions, please click here. Once in East Cowes, simply follow signs to the floating bridge which will take you directly into Cowes.
IoW Accommodation
Check out our 'Places to Stay' section to find somewhere to suit your budget and requirements, from hotels to B&B's and Camping.
