After a lengthy search for sponsorship Cowes Week Ltd. have secured Visit Abu Dhabi as the presenting regatta sponsor. As already reported, there will be a new ‘Cowes Week’ which will be held in Abu Dhabi in the New Year in addition to the traditional Week in Cowes.
As ever, Cowes Week will have, as well as the sailing regatta, all the usual entertainment around the town and there will be other events in East Cowes.
First entertainment events will be held on Friday 29th July with music on The Parade, Cowes Yacht Haven and in The Anchor, some starting at 4pm. One of the first yacht club events will be ‘Mermaid Gin and Chips’ to be held at The Island Sailing Club but by invitation only.
On Saturday the Parade entertainment commences at 12noon and runs through until 22.30. whilst in Cowes Yacht Haven the music starts at 4pm and for those with tickets the Cowes Week Mount Gay Opening Party will be at Cowes Yacht Haven Event Centre. Watch out for the coveted Red Caps!
Four yacht clubs are holding parties and Northwood House comes into its own on Saturday with: 11:00 – 17:00-Northwood House Tea Garden serving home- made cakes, scones, sandwiches, hot & cold drinks and ice cream, 12:00 – 00:30 The Lawn Lounge & Gin Festival with 80-100 different gins available and food provided by local artisan pizza specialist ‘So Much Dough’ plus from 19:30 – 22:30 -Live Music.
Saturday also sees the start of the High Street entertainment ( 11.00.-18.00-daily weather permitting) with music, entertainers, facepainting and Glitter Tattoos base at various locations.
Sunday is Family Day. In addition to the entertainment at venues already mention, on Cowes Parade from 0900 – 1730 there will be ‘Try Sailing with UKSA’’-Experience Cowes Week on the water with an hour-long sailing session. Book on the day with a UKSA shore assistant at Cowes Parade.
Also, on the Parade-12:00 & 13:00, Blackgang Chine’s RAWR-SOME Dinosaur Show with an EXCLUSIVE, never-before-seen show featuring some of the park’s most iconic pre-historic faces.
Monday 1st August-Charity Day. Once again UKSA will be offering ‘Try Sailing with UKSA’ as they will on Tuesday 2nd.
Tuesday is Womens’ Day which celebrates the contribution and achievement of women in sailing and recognises some of the major successes of women in the sport. in addition to the usual events at Northwood House at 11:30 and 15:00 The Quantum Theatre Presents ” The Tales of Peter Rabbit”. This production will also be staged on Wednesday.
Wednesday 3 August is Youth Day at Cowes Week when Cowes Week focuses on the next generation of sailors and Thursday 4 August is Royal Navy Day.
To date no Firework display has been promised for its traditional time on Friday evening but things can change-sometimes very quickly. However, for those with an invitation there are balls and parties to look forward to including The Island Sailing Club’s Mermaid Ball, Cowes Week Competitor Closing Party at the CYH Event Centre and, with a touch of humour, Royal London Yacht Club’s ‘Fireworks or Not Party’.
Saturday 6 August sees the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Solent Celebration a special event for this year only.
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