Peter Ralls, KC, RLYC Commodore & Chairman for Cowes Classics Regatta 2025Having canvassed the opinion of racing competitors, social attendees, sponsors and the clubs involved in the overall running of an event that has seen soaring popularity since inception in 2008, the Chairman and Organising Committee of Cowes Classics Regatta are delighted to unveil a new format.

Retaining the key elements of 'Cowes Classics ‘Week', a much-loved and iconic spectacle on the racing calendar, the decision has been taken to shorten the regatta to run the event over the long weekend of Friday 30th May through to Sunday 1st June 2025, but with more racing than ever before and a schedule of shoreside activities that will match, or better, anything seen in the regatta’s history.

“It was vital that we recognised the shifting demands of all our stakeholders,” commented His Honour Judge Peter Ralls KC, Chairman of Cowes Classics Regatta, “whilst also retaining the key facets that have made the week-long regatta such a success in the past. I trust that competitors in the one-design fleets will find eight compacted races to be both a challenge and a welcome upscale, whilst those competing off the shoreline will complete a six-race series. Meanwhile I am enthused to see shoreside events that mirror and complement the on-water activity.”