Cowes Week 2025 closed with the kind of drama, variety and spectacle that has made it one of the most iconic regattas in the world. Across seven days, the Solent offered almost every condition imaginable, from brisk gusts and steep chop to gentle zephyrs over glassy seas, and even a rare day ashore when Storm Floris swept through. That pause was welcome after a bruising, windy Sunday that tested even the most experienced crews.
The final morning began under a bright sky and light airs, but the breeze arrived just in time for punctual starts across all fleets. Out in front, Ali and Jochem Visser’s H Boat Weerga took her second win of the week, chased by Craig and Emma Dymock’s Wight Wedding, whose second place secured the IRC7 title. Jonathan Wallis’s Final Warning followed in third. On the Dutch J/109 Joule, the crew’s joy was clear as they crossed the Squadron line ahead of long-time rivals Jukebox.
This was a week that rewarded adaptability, sharp tactical calls and the ability to handle a boat well no matter what the weather delivered.
At the top of the results, the XOD Astralita, helmed by John Tremlett with Fraser Graham and Tim Copsey, proved the standout performer. Five wins and a second place not only sealed the XOD crown and White Group honours but also earned the title of overall Cowes Week champion. In the Black Group, Sam Laidlaw’s Quarter Tonner BLT was the only boat to record a perfect score, with his long-standing crew showing once again the value of time on the water together.
Among the bigger yachts, the TP52 Braveheart eventually got the better of the Ker 46 Van Uden Rost 3 after a week of close contests. The Cape 31s brought their own excitement: Flying Jenny took the Britannia Cup, but Bullit secured the series by a single second in the final race. IRC1 was dominated by Russell Peters and Dave Bartholomew’s Tokoloshe 4, whose only slip came on Women’s Day when Linda Goddard’s Swan 53 Bedouin claimed victory. Goddard also collected the Ariel Trophy as top female helm.
Several classes saw runaway leaders, such as Bertie in Sonars, Tigger in Sportsboats, Bluebottle in Dragons, Sheen in Seaview Mermaids, Paraquet in Redwings and Osprey in Swallows. Others went right to the wire. The Daring class ended with Dauntless narrowly beating Doublet after a tense head-to-head from the very start. In Sunbeams, early leader Misty was overtaken midweek by Sky, who held firm until the end.
IRC2 delivered a gripping three-way battle between Leon, Jack Rabbit and Yes, with Leon taking the series in the last race. IRC4 went to the Dutch newcomer Warp 5, while IRC5 came down to a final-day decider between Scherzo of Cowes and Banter, the Swan 36 taking it by a whisker. IRC3 saw Pelikanen win by a single point. In Etchells, No Dramas stayed calm under pressure to win by the narrowest of margins.
The Contessa 32 class once again captured the family atmosphere of Cowes Week, with crews made up of several generations. Eldred and Mark Himsworth’s Drumbeat sealed the title with four straight wins before conceding one race to the young team on Mary Rose Tudor, who left with both the Musto Young Skipper’s Trophy and the Under 25 Trophy.
Away from the one-design and IRC divisions, the Club Cruiser and Performance Cruiser fleets saw their own competitive battles. Susimi III emerged as overall Club Cruiser winner, while Elidie topped the Performance Cruiser standings.
As always, the regatta ended in style. The Royal Yacht Squadron hosted the official trophy presentation before crowds gathered at Cowes Yacht Haven for the public prizegiving. Looking ahead, 2026 is set to be exceptional, marking the 200th anniversary of Cowes Week with a celebration worthy of two centuries of sailing heritage.
