As well as some exciting racing in this year’s Cowes Week regatta there was plenty to do on shore for sailors, after racing, or visitors to the town. There was the usual changes in the weather which affect the sailing most years, with no wind to strong gusts and hot sun to showers.
Sunsail, an official partner of Cowes Week, had more of a presence this year, with a large marquee on the Parade, where visitors could win a Sunsail holiday, and the Sailors’ Bar.
Sunsail has a partnership with the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Prometheus, a company which provides racing yachts for Cowes Week as well as charter yachts for holidays.
Proving popular was the BVI stand where staff were on hand to provide cocktails after racing and the Prometheus fleet had their usual “regatta within the regatta” with some closely fought daily battles. Supporting Prometheus at their prize givings was local brand Mermaid with their range of spirits as prizes each day and one of the Prometheus fleet was named “ Mermaid Spirit”.
Tuesday was Women’s Day which saw an all woman crew on the podium at the Prometheus prizegiving. Xavier Baker from Mermaid, following taking part in the racing. presented the prizes of Mermaid Zest.
In Cowes Yacht Haven (CYH) the Musto Bar area and food court was busy especially after racing. With various foods on offer, mainly from local firms, including “All About Catering”. It was a busy week for David Rogers and his team as not only did they provide food in the Food Court with Pizza/ Pasta and their “Burger Haven”, but provided the catering for the CYH Restaurant “Pontoon View”. Here, those seeking a full dining experience or just a drink from the bar, can enjoy a view overlooking the boats on the pontoons. At “Burger Haven” customers can often enjoy the warmth of a Fire Pit whilst enjoying Clive’s freshly made burgers and other foods.
Thursday was an extra busy day for CYH with the ever popular Mount Gay event. This year it took the form of Apres Sail and as well as sailors and guests enjoying the Mount Gay cocktails thoughout the event 500, much sought after, “Red Caps” were up for grabs.
At the other end of town Trinity Church was open for an art exhibition and refreshments including delicious home made cakes. Outside the church is the memorial to those sailors lost at sea in the 1979 edition of the Fastnet Race. Housed in the garden of the church the area provides a peacful place to sit to view the sailing.
Nearby in Northwood Park the Lawn Bar area saw a packed house on Thursday (Navy Day) when HM Royal Marines Band from HMS Collingwood, Portsmouth played a selection of military and popular music.
Cowes Week 2025 had a new official partner with the arrival of Bolney Wines. Bolney wanted to promote their products at a classic British event and Cowes Week fitted the bill. Bolney Wines supported the Cowes Week reception at the RYS and other events during the week. A special Bolney garden bar on the lawn at Northwood House gave the public the chance to sample their selection of sparkling wines in an attractive setting and the wines were also available at other venues in Cowes.
