The 2025 edition of Cowes Week began with a mix of conditions where patience and adaptability proved just as important as speed. Winds ranged from prolonged calms to gusts of over 25 knots, influencing the start sequences, the progress of the races and even forcing the cancellation of competition on one occasion.
On the opening day, the breeze was slow to fill in across the Solent. The larger boats were moved from the Squadron Line to a committee boat start off Beaulieu, while the remaining committee boat fleets began near Thorness. All classes faced an initial two-hour delay under the postponement flag until racing could get underway shortly after 1320.
The J/70 class, with 36 entries, opened the programme, but a tightly packed line led to a general recall and several individual recalls. Casting Couch took the first win ahead of Endeavour and Lady Khumbu, and by the end of the day was leading overall with a scoreline of a win and two second places. Jelvis was in second place, with Calypso third.
The XODs, a class synonymous with Cowes Week, did not get away until 1525 after their own general recall. With a more settled breeze they made the most of the conditions. Astralita, skippered by John Tremlett, took the win ahead of Silhouette, owned by Tom Vernon.
Out in the western Solent, the big boat fleets enjoyed clean starts and steady wind. The Cape 31s were competing for the Queen’s Cup, which was claimed by Bullit, owned by Julian Metherell, followed by Flying Jenny and Swift Half. Bullit’s trimmer Rhos Hawes described it as “a glamour introduction to Cowes Week”, highlighting the short tacking along the mainland shore and the exhilarating downwind legs in 18 to 20 knots.
The IRC Zero, IRC1, IRC2, IRC3 and Performance Cruiser classes also benefited from the improved conditions. In IRC3, Ziggy secured victory, while Performance Cruiser B saw Cougar repeat their winning performance from the previous day, ahead of Elidie and Hawksbill Rum.
Among the standout stories were those from family crews. Elaine Again raced with six children under the age of 13 on board. “It’s like seeing sailing with fresh eyes,” said skipper Ed Mockridge. Mojitabel, a Swan 37 owned by Dan Snow, raced with his ten-year-old son Wolfy. “It’s the best way to bring a family together, combining excitement and teamwork,” he said. In IRC7, Wight Wedding led after two race wins, followed by Sonic. The Etchells class saw Tango take the day’s honours ahead of Palava and Desperate, with No Dramas in fourth place. Skipper Andy Beadsworth spoke warmly about sailing alongside his son Josh and young crew members, emphasising the shared learning and enjoyment.
The following days brought a significant increase in wind strength. During an XOD start, Athena recovered a crew member who had fallen overboard and still finished the race. Several retirements followed across the fleets, along with a few broken masts among the smaller boats. The Cape 31s began their own series from Committee Vessel 1, completing three lively windward-leeward races. Flying Jenny crossed the line first, while Braveheart took line honours and the win in IRC Zero.
Eventually, the race committee decided to cancel an entire day’s racing due to forecasts of gusts reaching the mid-30s in knots. Meteorologist Steve Carver explained that such conditions would not be raceable for most of the fleets. Ashore, the mood was relaxed as crews took the opportunity for a well-earned break, although Bullit and Khumbu went out for two-boat training. It proved costly for Khumbu when they lost a spinnaker.
With a combination of light and heavy winds, the early stages of Cowes Week 2025 have provided spectacular images, close contests and notable examples of sportsmanship and camaraderie. As the week progresses, more stable conditions are expected, offering the perfect stage for each class to chase glory in one of the most iconic regattas on the international calendar.
