The 199th Cowes Week annual regatta was completed in fine style with over 400 boats finishing the last race off the famous Royal Yacht Squadron line under multi coloured spinnakers.
Over the course of the Regatta competitors were treated to some challenging and demanding racing in the famous Solent tides with a big breeze on the Sunday, right through to bright sunshine and lighter winds mid-week.
Overall winners were John Tremlett, Tim Copsey and Fraser Graham in their XOD Astralita (pictured). Perennial winners in the class, this year they had a standout score line of five bullets and one second place which gave them top billing in the 38-boat fleet, as well as the White Group (day-boats) and the overall Cowes Week Winner’s Trophy. An outstanding performance in what is usually a very difficult class in which to score a string of bullets.
Overall winner in the Black Group (keelboats) was the Quarter Tonner, BLT. This evergreen boat, beautifully restored by its owner Sam Laidlaw has a shape which harks back to IOR days. Competing under the IRC rule very successfully BLT is always at the front of the Quarter Ton fleet and turned that dominance into Cowes Week success.
Entries were up 9% on 2024, and the organisers are confident that numbers will grow again in 2026 as Cowes Week celebrates its 200th annual regatta. Interest has been received from some of the world’s biggest yachts and it is planned to run a 3-day Triple Crown event for 100 footers as a result.
Noteworthy Highlights
- 450 entries split between one-design day-boats (White Group) and bigger IRC and handicapped keel boats (Black Group), reflecting growing participation since last year
- 70 boats competing in 3-5 day Mini-Series, including Cape31s, J70s, SB20s and Swallows
- Class 0 / 1 / and Cape 31’s competing together for the prestigious Britannia Cup and the New York Yacht Club Challenge Cup,
- In IRC Zero: TP52 Braveheart (Malcolm Offord) claimed top honours in the last race by a single point after a tense week with the Dutch Admiral’s cupper Van Uden – Rost 3.
- In the Cape 31s: Flying Jenny (Sandy Askew) won the mini-series and the prestigious Britannia Cup midweek, but Julian Metherell’s Bullit won the last race by a single second to clinch the Cape 31 winners title.
- In Sportsboats: Tigger triumphed with near-perfect form, placing consistently ahead of the youthful Derision (J/80), skippered by 20-year-old Henry Heathcote.
- In the iconic Daring Class: A tense battle went down to the wire between Dauntless and Doublet, with Doublet ultimately securing victory on the final day.
- Other close contests included the Sunbeam class (which was decided in the last 200 metres of the last race run to the RYS line when Roger Wickens was beaten on countback by Oliver Gilchrist and Becky Wickens) and IRC 5 with Scherzo of Cowes (Peter Morton) who just edged out Banter (Handley James Families) by winning the last race.
- In IRC 2 David Franks Leon took the top honours with a fantastic performance, discarding a 3rd to score all bullets against perennial rival Yes.
- IRC 3 went the way of the Hong Kong crew led by Jamie McWilliam on the Danish BB design, Pelikanen.
Across multiple fleets races were won and lost by seconds and class results came down to the last day.
Sailing Director, Steve Cole said: “Despite the loss a day’s racing due to Storm Floris, we otherwise achieved all our ambitious competitor focussed goals for the Regatta: High quality races over good courses, reliable results, clear communications and some great celebrations. We integrated a full range of competitor fleet objectives – from 2-day Weekend Warriors through multiple 3-5 day mini-series and full week racing for the majority of the boats. A great week!”
Summing up, Cowes Week Chairman, Bob Trimble said: “As guardians of one of the world’s oldest and most famous regattas we are acutely aware of the need to maintain the ethos of the Regatta whilst continuing to deliver the sort of racing our competitors want. The race format of one race a day over seven days still seems to be the preferred choice of most, and it does create a unique experience that delivers great racing and brilliant memories. “We welcome the widest range of competitors, from the most seasoned and experienced, through all ages and those who are entering Cowes Week maybe for the first time. The wonderfully successful racing in 2025 has been a terrific prelude to the 200th anniversary celebrations we’re planning for next year. 2026 will also provide a great opportunity for sponsors who want to be associated with this ‘best of British’ spectacular with a world-wide reputation”
Looking Ahead: Cowes Week 2026 – The Bicentenary
Excitement is already building for Cowes Week 2026, taking place 1st – 7th August, when the regatta celebrates its 200th anniversary. Organisers promise heightened entries, enhanced entertainment, and a host of special guests – possibly including fireworks, special visiting boats, and even a Red Arrows display. As well as the Bicentenary Regatta, the season will feature an extended programme of events including classics, European and National Championships, powerboats and charity events.
