Cowes Week marks its 200th year

The bicentenary regatta, from 1 to 7 August, brought 642 boats in 36 classes and about 5,000 competitors to the Solent.

The first race was sailed on 10 August 1826 under the Royal Yacht Club's flag. The Princess Royal fired the starting gun for the bicentenary, and 156 trophies were awarded over the week.

The XOD Lone Star, sailed by Phil Lawrence, David King and Nik Froud, was overall winner and took White Group. The Contessa 32 Solan Goose (Ben Rogers) won Black Group, the Cape 31 Bullit (Julian Metherell) the Queen's Cup, and Beau Geste (Karl Kwok) the Britannia Cup and the New York Yacht Club Challenge Cup.

The 2027 regatta runs from 31 July to 6 August. Berths in Cowes for the week are booked early in the year.