Cowes Week

[pauln]

I may end up in the Solent as part of my holiday during Cowes week. Can any locals tell me what it's like. Is it really crowded everywhere or ok if you keep clear of Cowes itself.

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[tony_brighton]

Generally its crowded - but good fun. The amount of action + spectators on the water makes for some really interesting sights. Obviously the start lines off Cowes are probably too exciting if you want a relaxing sail. Cowes itself tends to be 1 large round of parties in the evenings; most of the special parties are ticket only jobs and the pubs fill to the brim; moorings in Cowes are like hens teeth after about 3-4pm but the HM can usually squeeze you in somewhere even if you have to wait for the water taxi.

The good news is that all those other places worthy of visiting in the Solent tend to empty out a bit. Overall I'd recommend going in Cowes week for the fun of it.

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[Evadne]

I'd agree with Tony, I've been to Cowes and the Folly during Cowes week and got a berth, just, but if you want to go to Bembridge it often gets very very busy on the last Saturday for the Bembridge Ball (whatever that is), so is best avoided on that day. The other harbours appear generally unaffected.

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[phanakapan]

I was there 2 years ago- it was manic and magic- didnt moor at Cowes itself but had no problems at the Folly, Island Harbour Marina,- and got the water taxi down to Cowes for the nightlife- and at other nearby places ie Bucklers Hard, Portsmouth. Might end up there this year if I chicken out of going to France.

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[Neraida]

Great fun, very very busy but if you go I'm sure you'll have a great time. We're off that week and will probably be skulking around the area, might even do a race although most likely to chicken out as the water resembles a boiling cauldron that week.

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[Peter_the_Grate]

... and there's quite a good fireworks display on the Friday. (or is it the Saturday ....)

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