THE JOYS and thrills of being on the water are on full display for the next week.
An iconic feature of the British sporting summer calendar since 1826, Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is the oldest and largest annual sailing regatta in the world.
The Isle of Wight town turns into a yachting paradise as more than 8,500 sailors and 100,000 spectators prepare to descend for Cowes Week, which starts this weekend.
Some of the most beautiful yachts from across the world will be put through their paces in races throughout the week, including the Artemis Challenge round the island yacht race on Thursday.
But there’s more to the eight-day event than just sailing.
There will be plenty to keep people entertained, from live music to fireworks to aerobatic displays of one of the world’s most famous flying schools.
This will be followed by the Red Arrows who will be gracing the skies on Thursday when they return to the south coast, after they were forced to cancel a display over Southampton earlier in the summer.
Their magnificent display will be followed up on Friday night with another aircraft display, this time by RAF Typhoons.
They will be tearing across the sky on Friday night, before the fireworks set the sky alight in a myriad of colours.
On shore events begin today Friday, August 7, as the pre-sail party atmosphere gets under way in Cowes Yacht Haven and along Cowes Parade.
Highlights include the return of the popular Family Day, designed to encourage adults with children to be part of Cowes Week, on Sunday (August 9) and Ladies Day on Tuesday (August 11).
Cowes Week entertainment schedule
Beyond the racing there are plenty of things to do this week that will keep everybody entertained.
- FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Visitors to Cowes can get into the swing of things tonight with live music in Cowes Parade and Cowes Yacht Haven from 7pm.
- SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
Sailors can get the hair of the dog at the Chilgrove Gin Cocktail Hour at the Sunsail Stand from 1pm before heading out on the water. Cowes starts off proper with a range of musical acts playing throughout the day.
Blues, soul and funk bands will be the highlight of the evening with The Black Daniels Band gracing the stage at Cowes Yacht Haven from 10pm to 11.45pm.
Revellers will be making shapes from 8pm at Northwood House when Bestival Toronto DJ Martin Davies is on the decks.
- SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
CBeebies’ Gemma Hunt will be entertaining the children from 1.45pm followed by a meet and greet photo session in Cowes Parade.
There will also be a falconry display from 3.15pm in the parade. Classics from the golden era of soul will be played when Motown Magic lights up the parade from 9pm.
There will be music, entertainers and face-painting at various locations throughout the High Street from 11am to 6pm.
- MONDAY, AUGUST 10
Cat Skellington Gypsy Jazz will be performing from 7pm in Cowes Parade followed by Brando, bringing their mix of pop, soul and party music from 9pm.
Novice sailors can try sailing from 10am to 4pm at the UKSA stand in Cowes Yacht Haven (£5 per person).
The Jazzstone trio will be bringing the party to The Anchor from 9pm to midnight.
- TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
It’s Ladies Day. As well as the action on the water, there will be sparkling wine on offer in Cowes Parade at the afternoon tea event from 1.30pm to 5.30pm.
Five-time World Champion and Team Volvo Kitesurfing athlete Steph Bridge will be putting on a kitesurfing display off The Green from 5.30pm.
- WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12
Tribute act Apple Beatles will be performing some of the 60s group’s greatest hits in Cowes Parade from 9pm to 10.30pm.
People can party like a pirate with Toe in the Water’s event at Shepards Wharf Marina from 6pm to 10pm and 12-piece Ska band Guns of Navarone will be keeping the rhythm going from 10pm at Cowes Yacht Haven.
Film buffs can catch an outdoor screening of 1980s classic comedy Ghostbusters at Northwood House from 8.30pm.
- THURSDAY, AUGUST 13
From 10pm the celebrities will join professionals in the Artemis Challenge race around the island.
Spectators are urged to head to the Royal Yacht Squadron for the best view of the race.
Undoubtedly the highlight of the day will be the Red Arrows Display over the Isle of Wight.
The air aces will be taking to the skies as they fly their air aerobatics from 6.50pm. Rum distillery Mount Gay will be keeping the fun going with their Red Cap Party from 6pm to 2am.
- FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
More fun in the air today when the strength of the Royal Air Force goes on display at 7.10pm with an RAF Typhoon Display over Cowes.
The week comes to a climax at 9.30pm with the Cowes Week Fireworks Display.
Fireworks will be lighting up the skies over Cowes with more displays at the premier yacht clubs in the town.
There will be live music from 3pm to midnight at the Shepards Wharf Marina and The Anchor.
- SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
The week comes to a close today and the overall prizegiving is held at Cowes Yacht Haven at 7pm in the events centre.
Again, there will be live music throughout the day across the town for everyone to enjoy
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here