For sailing enthusiasts, Solitaire Du Figaro is a must see event and this summer you can catch it as it stops of at Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The famous race is split into 4 stages starting in Deauville, travelling 510 to Ile De Wight via Lands’ End and the South West coast. After spending a few days in Cowes competitors set sail to Pampol which is around 475 miles, before sailing on to La Rochelle for the final stretch which takes them to a small island joined to La Rochelle, Île de Ré.

Competitors in the race, race alone, however both men and women race against each other rather than been split into sexes. They will be at sea for over 10 days, all sailing the same model of boat, the Figaro Beneteau II. In total competitors will be sailing 1,500 to 2,000 nautical miles across the English Channel. For more information check out this infographic from Blue Chip Holidays, who cover some more facts about the race and its history, for you to brush up on before you head there.

This is quite a bit event in Cowes, as part of the islands, family friendly ‘Festival of the Sea’ which sees a number of activities taking place including:

  • A Victorian Funfair
  • A Climbing Wall
  • UKSA Try Sailing
  • UKSA Information & fun games stand, plus sailing simulator
  • Red funnel Food Theatre – cooking demonstrations from local island chefs and food stalls displaying island produce
  • Skate-boarding taster sessions with Wight Action Sports
  • Live painting of one of Tapnell Farm’s Wight Herd Cows with a Solitaire theme
  • Artemis Offshore Academy showcasing the Solitaire’s British Sailing Team

A great day out for the whole family, if you live in the UK, you can easily hop on over to the Isle of Wight from Southampton, either as a day trip or a weekend break. There are plenty of places to stay here whether you’re looking for hotel, self-catering or even camping options.