Solent View from Cowes, Live Webcam

More info: Cowes is located on the very northern tip of the Isle of Wight, on the west bank of the estuary of the River Medina. Cowes is home to the oldest and biggest sailing regatta in the world and also hosts a calendar of maritime events throughout the rest of the year.

Cowes week is held in August each year and has 40 daily sailing races, up to 1,000 boats, and 8,000 competitors ranging from Olympic and world-class professionals to weekend sailors

The festival originates from the Prince Regent's interest in yachting which continued after he became George IV in 1820. The first race started at 09:30 on Thursday 10 August 1826 with the prize of a "Gold Cup of the value of £100" and was held under the flag of the Royal Yacht Club, which later became the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Traditionally at the end of the Cowes Week event, a fireworks display is held. This has occurred for more than 150 years.