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SAILING INTO SUMMER ON THE ISLE OF WIGHT

Experience sailing at its best on the Isle of Wight this summer as the Island plays host to a variety of sailing based spectacles between May and August.

From historic boats to high-speed powerboats, you don’t have to have ‘sea legs’ to enjoy the action as the Island’s varied calendar of events provides just as much fun off the water as it does on it!

RIBEX, 7-9 May:

The world’s only boat show dedicated solely to rigid inflatable boats. This year’s show will be opened by Island-born TV adventurer, Bear Grylls and will feature its own music festival, RIBFEST on Saturday, 8 May, headlined by folk rock superstar, Seth Lakeman.

Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival, 4-6 June:

This popular Island event attracts thousands of visitors who are able to enjoy the attractions in and around the historic harbour town of Yarmouth. Filling the harbour will be around 100 traditional sailing craft, including the Old Gaffers fleet – so called because of their historical gaff rigging.

As well as racing in the Solent, there will be free, non-stop entertainment with a variety of styles of music and singing, continental market stalls in The Square, art/craft and food stalls, beer tent, a Big Boy’s toys field (with an array of veteran and classic vehicles), a flower festival, RLNI Lifeboat launch and display with the Search and Rescue Helicopter, children’s fun fair and entertainers.

JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, Saturday 19 June:

Sailing’s answer to the London Marathon, over 1,600 boats, mainly crewed by keen amateur sailors, will head out from the famous Royal Yacht Squadron line in Cowes to the west, skim past The Needles, the Island’s distinctive rocky structures, round St Catherine’s Point and Bembridge Ledge and back into the Solent.  With spinnaker sails in all colours of the rainbow billowing in the wind and creating a dazzling sight, this makes a great day out for visitors.  

Cowes Week, 31 July to 7 August:

The world’s oldest and largest sailing regatta of its kind with 40 daily races, over 1000 boats and 8500 competitors ranging from Olympic and world-class professionals to weekend sailors, plus celebrity and royal competitors and visitors.

Watch the racing from the shore – The Green and The Parade offer prime viewing - or take a spectator boat to get in amongst the action at sea.

At the heart of Cowes Week is Cowes Yacht Haven with its beer tent and live entertainment, as well as food outlets and retail units selling everything you might need for the event. A major part of Cowes Week is the festival atmosphere, when the entertainment spills on to the streets of Cowes from aerobatic displays to fireworks over the sea.  

The British Powerboat Festival, 27 – 29 August:

The Festival, which incorporates the famous Cowes to Torquay powerboat race, is an opportunity to watch the powerful craft speed around the Solent. Soak up the atmosphere in Cowes and watch all the action from The Green.  

For details of where to stay, eat and drink, and ideas on water based activities visit www.islandbreaks.co.uk or telephone 01983 813813. 

Ferry crossings operate via:

Wightlink from Portsmouth to Ryde and Fishbourne, and Lymington to Yarmouth, Tel: 0870 5827744, www.wightlink.co.uk 
Red Funnel Ferries sail from Southampton to East Cowes, Tel: 0870 4448890, www.redfunnel.co.uk  Hovertravel sail from Southsea to Ryde, Tel. 01983 811000, www.hovertravel.co.uk