Cowes Week is just over a week away (31 July – 7 August) so it’s time to start organising the diary! We have a list of essential things for first-time visitors and old-timers alike to do this year. From rum masterclasses to RIB rides, be sure to keep this guide close to hand to ensure the most exciting Cowes Week yet!

  1. . Start the day properly with The Tropicana Breakfast Club – the Tropicana team will be providing an exceptional breakfast experience with the chance to sample some of their brand new juices
  2. . No boat. No experience. No worries! Just ‘Rock Up’ at Ondeck’s dedicated area within Cowes Yacht Haven to book a place to race on a 40ft yacht or take a thrilling RIB ride to enjoy the excitement of the action on the water. Alternatively, why not ‘Try sailing’? Under the guiding hand of qualified instructors from the UKSA, complete beginners can enjoy a sailing taster lesson for just £5. Or, if you are feeling competitive, why not have a go at 'Come Racing' – an initiative that enables you to have a go at racing on a Laser SB3 with a professional skipper after the main Cowes Week fleets have finished for the day, for only £10!
  3. . Toast the successes of the day with a glass of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne in the Champagne bar in Cowes Yacht Haven or why not sample the rum that invented rum with a masterclass by Mount Gay Rum’s mixologist Chesterfield Browne! He has flown all the way from Barbados to provide tips on how to make the finest cocktails. Every afternoon from Tuesday 3 August to Friday 6 August at the Mount Gay Bar on the Parade
  4. . Get to Cowes Green to witness Cowes Week’s official charity, the RNLI, in action as they take you through a rescue demonstration on Monday 2 August at 6.30pm and join them afterwards for crew games at Peppermint Shepards Wharf Marina
  5. . Dine at the beautiful Northwood House in a pop-up restaurant set up by Michelin-starred chef Robert Thompson where you can enjoy delicious seasonal treats and local seafood
  6. . Pamper yourself at the Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare stand on Cowes Parade, where you can stock up on botanical skincare treats and enjoy a complimentary hand and arm massage
  7. . Get a taste of the Isle of Wight with the local farmers market – brand new to Cowes Week. Local Isle of Wight producers will be at Peppermint Shepards Wharf Marina selling delicious food and drink on Saturday 31 July, Sunday 1 August and Saturday 7 August
  8. . The famous Chelsea members’ club Raffles has come to Cowes! Enjoy the evening at the exclusive Raffles Pier Bar on sumptuous seating in luxurious surroundings looking out to sea at the yachts as the sun goes down
  9. . Call on Omar Allibhoy and his The Tapas Revolution! Omar will be offering a tapas takeaway express to boats in the marina. Simply dial and order!
  10. . Dance the night away at the all new Cowes Week Crew Ball 2010 on Thursday 5 August at the Event Centre at Cowes Yacht Haven. The evening will feature a live band, a Rod Stewart tribute act and live DJ’s. Buy tickets for just £20 (which includes dinner and a complimentary drink) at www.crewball.co.uk
  11. . Take away a memento of Cowes Week 2010 from the official Cowes Week Gill clothing range which includes a stylish choice of t-shirts and polo shirts. Available at the event from the Gill Retail Tent in the Yacht Haven and Aquatogs on Cowes High Street and online at www.gillmarine.com
  12. . Of course you must watch the sensational Red Arrows aerobatics display, sponsored for the second year running by Artemis Investment Management (who are also hosting the high profile Artemis Challenge on Tuesday 3 August which attracted sailors in 2009 including Zara Phillips, Bryan Adams and The Weasley twins from Harry Potter!), on Friday 6 August at 7pm, followed shortly afterwards by the amazing traditional Cowes Week fireworks display at 9.30pm

Full details available at www.cowesweek.co.uk.