Cowes Yacht Clubs’ last Around French Island Race

Sailing

More than 50 of Australia’s best sailors will converge on Cowes this Saturday to compete in the Australian Air Safaris Around French Island Catamaran Challenge, racing for $10,000 in prize money and the prestigious Isle of Wight Trophy.

This year marks the 30th running of the iconic race, which will also be the final edition for now, with Cowes Yacht Club taking a break from hosting the major event.

Cowes Yacht Club Commodore Andrew Janson said the event is only possible thanks to strong community support.

“Cowes is a small club with under 250 members, yet we’re able to run this race purely because of the help of the entire community. It wouldn’t be possible without our amazing sponsors.”

Major sponsors include Australian Air Safaris, Red Rocks Golf Course and Modra Technology.

The Isle of Wight Hotel sponsors the event’s most prestigious award – The Isle of Wight Trophy – presented to the overall winner on handicap.

The first boat over the line will win The Ocean Reach Brewing Line Honours trophy.

Other key supporters include Bass Coast Shire Council, Westernport Water, Island Surfboards, and Isola Di Capri.

The race regularly attracts some of the country’s best sailors, with more than 15 teams travelling from Western Australia, New South Wales and South Australia to compete.

Come and watch

Spectators are encouraged to head down and enjoy the action from Cowes Yacht Club.

The morning will feature a free sausage sizzle and two-for-one coffee with thanks to Red Rocks Golf Course.

Giveaways include Ocean Reach Brewing product, prize packs from Red Rocks Golf Course and Island Surfboards.

The race village at Cowes Yacht Club opens from 10am, with the race starting at 11am. The club is located 400m from the main street.

Record membership

Cowes Yacht Club has seen a 30 per cent increase in club membership over the summer of 2025/26, after running a membership drive including strong “Come Try Sailing” days and sold-out sail training.

With 75 per cent of new members being permanent local families, it’s clear the Cowes community is realising Cowes Yacht Club really is one of the island’s best kept secrets.

With regular trivia nights, social functions and happy hours, the club is seeing record social attendances as well as record on-water participation.

In January over 50 people ranging from six-years-old to 60-years, attended the different training courses which will return in January 2027.

She Sails which is for females to learn to sail with other females will run at the end of 2026 on December 28 and 29 (two full days), then Start Sailing, Tackers and Out There sail training courses all run January 4 to 8, 2027.

Bookings open September 30. Or register your interest now at www.cowesyachtclub.com/learn-to-sail and the club will contact you when bookings open.

Now is a great time to join Cowes Yacht club with members also entitled to 50 per cent discount on sail training courses.

www.cowesyachtclub.com/join

/ Sponsored article /