Cowes Week is one of the longest running and best-known sailing regattas in the world and plays a key role in the British sporting and social summer calendar.
Cowes Week is one of the longest running and best-known sailing regattas in the world and plays a key role in the British sporting and social summer calendar.
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Crowds have been gathering to watch the yachts from Cowes at the Isle of Wight since 1826.
Crowds have been gathering to watch the yachts from Cowes at the Isle of Wight since 1826.
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Pictured here in 1935 is the crew of 'Candida' steering the yacht along a heavily inclined wave during a race.
Pictured here in 1935 is the crew of 'Candida' steering the yacht along a heavily inclined wave during a race.
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As many as 8,000 competitors take part -- from Olympic and world class yachtsmen to weekend sailors. Pictured here is the crew of the "Shamrock" lying close to the deck to reduce drag as the yacht sails close to the wind.
As many as 8,000 competitors take part -- from Olympic and world class yachtsmen to weekend sailors. Pictured here is the crew of the "Shamrock" lying close to the deck to reduce drag as the yacht sails close to the wind.
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The event takes place each year during August on the Solent -- the area of water lying between southern England and the Isle of Wight.
The event takes place each year during August on the Solent -- the area of water lying between southern England and the Isle of Wight.
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The regatta lasts eight days and attracts over 100,000 visitors to Cowes.
The regatta lasts eight days and attracts over 100,000 visitors to Cowes.
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Pictured is Prince Charles at the helm of "Coweslip" in 1971. In 1827 King George IV gave his approval of the event by presenting the "King's Cup."
Pictured is Prince Charles at the helm of "Coweslip" in 1971. In 1827 King George IV gave his approval of the event by presenting the "King's Cup."
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The Solent can prove challenging sailing for competitors -- with its sheltered waters and unusual tidal conditions. The majority of classes sail varied "round-the-cans" courses designed to suit the style of boat and the wind and tide conditions each day.
The Solent can prove challenging sailing for competitors -- with its sheltered waters and unusual tidal conditions. The majority of classes sail varied "round-the-cans" courses designed to suit the style of boat and the wind and tide conditions each day.
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Cowes is a seaport town in the north of the Isle of Wight. Visitors can get to the island by catching a ferry from the south of England.
Cowes is a seaport town in the north of the Isle of Wight. Visitors can get to the island by catching a ferry from the south of England.
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Organizers say the best location to watch is between the Castle of the Royal Yacht Squadron and the cannons -- which are fired to mark the start of races.
Organizers say the best location to watch is between the Castle of the Royal Yacht Squadron and the cannons -- which are fired to mark the start of races.
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While the regatta has evolved since 1826, several classes that were raced more than 50 years ago are still racing today, including: Dragons, Flying Fifteens, Redwings, Sea View Mermaids, Solent Sunbeams, Swallows, Victories and X-one-designs.
While the regatta has evolved since 1826, several classes that were raced more than 50 years ago are still racing today, including: Dragons, Flying Fifteens, Redwings, Sea View Mermaids, Solent Sunbeams, Swallows, Victories and X-one-designs.
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Organizers say Cowes Week is a 'complete mixture of classic and ulta-modern designs that give the regatta its uniqueness.'
Organizers say Cowes Week is a 'complete mixture of classic and ulta-modern designs that give the regatta its uniqueness.'
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The regatta also plays host to several social events -- including cocktail parties, dinners, a fireworks display and concerts.
The regatta also plays host to several social events -- including cocktail parties, dinners, a fireworks display and concerts.
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