Large crowds gathered in Cowes at the weekend as Cowes Classics Regatta returned with yacht racing, over 60 vintage cars, historic vessels, live music and a spectacular Spitfire display, drawing visitors from across the Isle of Wight and beyond.
The regatta started with a packed racing programme on Friday and Saturday before classic motors and historic maritime pieces graced the parade on Sunday.
Organised by the Royal London Yacht Club with support from Cowes Town Council, the event offered a weekend of racing, nostalgia and engineering excellence, celebrating yachting, classic cars and maritime heritage.
Among the highlights was a large display of vintage vehicles, including Daimlers, Aston Martins, Rolls Royces, Jaguars, Bentleys, Triumphs and Morris Minors. A standout favourite for many was the working replica of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which made a popular return.
On the water, Trinity Landing hosted an array of historic vessels such as LILIAN – a gentleman’s motor yacht built in 1916 in Stockholm – and Steam Pinnace No. 199 from the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Both drew significant interest, with onlookers treated to live demonstrations across the weekend.
Entertainment included a performance from 1940s trio The Boogie-Woogie Blue Birds, creating a vintage soundtrack for the day, followed by a thrilling Spitfire flypast at 13:30 which brought cheers from the crowd.
Images below courtesy of Clive Blount
