Access Keys

Cowes Week 2012


Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week


Yachts Racing

11-18 August 2012.

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!

Cowes Week Timelapse Video


ishares cup

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 number of options available including RIB charter and motor boat charter. 

Travel to Cowes Week


Hi-Speed Red Jet

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.


Red Funenl vehicle ferry

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.

Isle of Wight Hotel

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. Where to Stay








Red Funnel address: 12 Bugle Street, Southampton, SO14 2JY, UK. Email: post@redfunnel.co.uk.

Tel (within UK): 0844 844 9988. Tel (outside UK): 0845 155 2442. Switchboard (within UK): 0844 844 2699. Fax (within UK): 0844 844 2698.

Registered in England: 002404, VAT number: GB 902 873131. All Rights Reserved, © 2012 Red Funnel

You do not currently have any items in your basket.

Red Jet Hi-Speed service
Southampton <> West Cowes, Isle of Wight
------------------------------------------
Service is operating normally

Passenger Vehicle Ferry service
Southampton <> East Cowes, Isle of Wight
------------------------------------------
Service is operating normally

Join My Red Funnel for free literature, news, competitions and enhanced booking.

Sign up today