Every year, in late July, the old port of Cowes on the isle of Wight, and the legendary waters of the Solent – the strait separating the island from England, famous for its unique combination of winds and tides – play host to the most important event in the United Kingdom for classic yachts, part of the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge since 2010.
Dozens of yachts, mainly from Northern European countries, gather in Cowes to take part in the five races that may bring them final victory, and in the spectacular Panerai Classic Round the Island Race, organised on the first Sunday along the course that in 1851 gave rise to the America’s Cup.