Spectator guide

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.

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! Racing is scheduled to start at approximately 10 am every day.

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 fleet as they finish.

Spectator Boats

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. Trips are an hour-long and depart 10.30am, 12.00pm and 1.30pm from Trinity Landing on Cowes Parade.

Bookings can be made at the Regatta Centre during the Event.

For details of how to make a booking visit the spectator boats page.

The Cowes Week App

The Cowes Week App, available to anyone with an iPhone or Android device, provides spectators with everything they need to follow the Regatta whether they are at the event or watching at home, including:

  • Shoreside events guide and venue map
  • Cowes Live TV streaming and replays
  • Latest news from Cowes
  • Guide to the Classes with lists of boats taking part
  • Results for every race

Simply visit the App Store on your iPhone or Google Play on your Android device and search for Cowes Week.

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. Local attractions include the Cowes Maritime Museum on Beckford Road, the Classic Boat Museum, which has venues in East and West Cowes, and, of course, 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.

Explore the Wight

Think rolling hills and picture-postcard villages. Think golden sandy beaches. Think buckets, spades and jumping waves. Think fish and chips by the sea. Think gorgeous local produce in oak-beamed pubs and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Think stately homes and medieval castles. Think family-friendly campsites, boutique hotels and country cottages. Think extreme sports, gentle strolls and world-famous festivals. Think attractions for all ages.

Everything that's great about Britain can be found here on the Isle of Wight - the Great British Island. Check out the Visit Isle of Wight website to see just how much the island has to offer.