Britain's original summer regatta turns 200
Next summer, Cowes Week marks an extraordinary milestone, as the week-long regatta celebrates its bicentenary year. With 200 years of British history, royal association and international participation under its belt, it's a remarkable testament to the popularity of Cowes as a sailing destination and to the longevity of the largest and longest running sailing regatta of its kind in the world.
The 2026 bicentenary will be a celebration not just of Cowes Week's rich history, but of everything that makes it special today: the world-class regatta racing, the vibrant shoreside atmosphere and the unique sense of tradition mixed with innovation that keeps this regatta at the heart of the sailing calendar. As plans for the Bicentenary gather pace, read on to find out why Cowes Week 2026 promises to be an unmissable week of rivalry and festivity, both afloat and ashore
A Bicentenary Afloat
Over two centuries, Cowes Week has grown from a single race for seven yachts to a globally renowned event attracting thousands of competitors from around the world. It has seen everything from the majestic J-Class yachts of the 1930s to today's mix of classic dayboats and cutting-edge racing fleets, while remaining at the heart of British sailing tradition.
Although the regatta has continually evolved, the spirit of Cowes Week - great racing on the Solent paired with a vibrant shoreside festival - remains as strong as ever as the event enters its 200th year.
In its bicentenary year, you can expect Cowes Week to stay true to its ethos of world-class regatta racing.
A bumper number of competitors are anticipated, with a flexible programme that welcomes back some traditional fleets from Cowes Weeks past, as well as some special classes to celebrate the best classic yachts and their sailors.
We'll also look forward to seeing some old friends from our European neighbours and from further afield. Over 2,000 international competitors have visited from 40 different countries in recent years, and we anticipate that the Bicentenary will be a truly global event.
Watch out also for a Parade of Sail, special anniversary races including a Bicentenary Gold Cup, and a revival day full of nostalgia, as the Solent fills with colour, competition and historic celebration.
A Bicentenary Ashore
And ashore? Well...let's just say we're planning to raise the bar! At the heart of the shoreside celebrations will be our brand new 1826 Stage at Northwood House: a concert venue hosting a week-long programme of headline acts, concerts and entertainment for competitors and visitors, the likes of which has not been seen at Cowes Week before. With something for everyone, it promises to be one of the highlights of the summer!
Our reimagined Parade Village will also take centre stage, featuring corporate hospitality areas, VIP enclosures, viewing decks and a hand-picked selection of high-quality trade stands, bars and street food outlets.
It will also be home to our travelling Bicentenary Exhibition, telling the story of Cowes Week's remarkable 200-year journey. The Cowes Yacht Haven Competitor Hub is set for a major makeover too, with daily post-racing entertainment, bars, street food and a fully-equipped event centre for black-tie dinners and social gatherings throughout the week.
Elsewhere in the town, a shoreside festival atmosphere will take over Cowes, with a High Street buzzing with live music, pavement traders, and street entertainers, while pop-up attractions from circus performers to flashmobs, treasure hunts to try-sailing sessions will keep visitors of all ages entertained.
And of course, no Cowes Week would be complete without some old favourites - so expect to see at least one fireworks display and the welcome return of the Red Arrows as part of the bicentenary celebrations.
Save the Date
Our dedicated Bicentenary Delivery Team is working hard to finalise the full programme, with further announcements due soon. Keep an eye on our website and social media for the latest news, ticket releases and details of how to get involved.
The Cowes Week Bicentenary promises to be an unforgettable week of world-class sailing and high-quality shoreside entertainment - so make sure it's in your diary: 1st - 7th August 2026.
