Contessa 32 and 50 Years at Cowes Week

Published 19:07 on 20 Aug 2026

The Contessa 32 class celebrated a major milestone at North Sails Cowes Week 2026; 50 years of dedicated class racing at one of the world's most iconic sailing regattas. The anniversary coincided with the bicentenary edition of Cowes Week, making it a particularly significant occasion for competitors and sailing enthusiasts alike.

A highlight of the celebrations was a spectacular Parade of Sail, with more than 20 Contessa 32s forming a procession down the River Medina to the Royal Yacht Squadron start line. Led by Gualin, complete with a traditional bagpiper on the foredeck, the fleet created a memorable sight that paid tribute to five decades of Contessa 32 racing at Cowes Week.

The event underlined the enduring appeal of one-design racing, a format that continues to attract sailors back to the Solent year after year. Combining close competition, tactical challenges, and the unique sailing conditions of the Solent, Cowes Week remains a cornerstone of the British sailing calendar.

Racing throughout the week delivered the classic Cowes Week experience, with competitors facing a wide range of conditions. Strong tides, shifting weather patterns, and winds reaching up to 39 knots tested crews across the fleet, resulting in exciting and highly competitive racing.

We also enjoyed a terrific Pontoon party on the Saturday hosted by Nimbus and a truly terrific dinner mid week at the Max Aitken Museum. This was preceded by an English Sparking wine reception supported by Greyfriars Vineyard.

As the Contessa 32 fleet looked back on 50 years of racing history, the week also demonstrated that the class remains as active and competitive as ever. The anniversary served as both a celebration of the fleet's proud heritage and a reminder of its continuing place at the heart of Cowes Week.

A much fuller write is here

Last updated 19:07 on 20 August 2026