Early Q's on Cowes week (Firework night!)

[meathome]

Early Q\'s on Cowes week (Firework night!)

Dear All. With family & work committments need to make very early preperations for Cowes week. I am not interested in racing, just gathering family members to see bits, especially the fire works! So, please help with following questions..
1) When is it?
2) When do the fireworks start / end
3) Do you need to pre book a mooring to see the fireworks (or make any special arrangements / payments etc)
4) any recommendations on most sensible place to reserve a berth (I wouldn't want to be in Cowes that week & doubt if I'll get in anyway)
Thanks

 

[BrendanS]

Re: Early Q\'s on Cowes week (Firework night!)

The fireworks start a little time after dark. If you want the best view, go out to the moorings East of the entrance to Cowes. If you want to get on a buoy, you will have to be there much earlier. Your options really are to anchor, or berth alongside someone who already has a buoy. There are no charges. Loads of poeople will be doing the same thing.

If you haven't been before, wait a little while after the fireworks have finished. It's bedlam for the first 15/30 minutes afterwards, so easier to stay a while, and wait till the crowds have gone.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Re: Early Q\'s on Cowes week (Firework night!)

You can also amuse yourself by looking at every possible combination of lights that it is possible (for yachts that are all motoring) to display.

 

[BrendanS]

Re: Early Q\'s on Cowes week (Firework night!)

Some combinations include not showing any lights at all - both raggie and stinkie. Let the idiots zoom off, then set off a little while later - much easier.

It's a fantastic evening though, even for families that don't normally much like boating. The combination of being out after dark, one of the biggest firework displays in the UK, and the boats all doing a 'last night at the proms' where everyone knows when to hoot etc makes for one of the best family night out imaginable.

 

[pappaecho]

Re: Early Q\'s on Cowes week (Firework night!)

You should also consider the International Fleet review in June. I have been at the last two 1953 when I was 8 yrs old and in 1977 when I was much older, but not as old as now. Their firework display is fantastic, and covers a much larger area than the Cowes firework display. I viewed the 1977 from boat moored in Osborne Bay East of Cowes...
With regard to the Cowes event it is better to raft out onto an existing mooring, than to attempt to drop a hook.. last year several left their anchors behind as they have fouled the ground tackle for the prepaid moorings