Marina Johnson takes key Press Officer role at North Sails Cowes Week 2026 as the event celebrates its 200th Anniversary.

Cowes Week was 200 years old this year, and in a very special edition, 1st – 7th August, welcomed North Sails as its prestige title sponsor.

 The numbers were up:  630 entries, the highest total in nine years, and the legendary Friday night Firework Display was back for the first time in several years and didn’t disappoint.

 Media coverage has been sensational.  Journalists visited from all around the world, and every UK TV station broadcast from the location.

 So, taking the position of Press Officer was no small task especially as it was combined with that of Media Centre Manager.  Producing media guides and fact sheets, setting up the media centre, hosting and working closely with the outside broadcast team, social media/video team and other key media operators was only part of the role.  I produced bulletin reports for regular upload to the event website, liaised constantly with the official photographers to source the best shots, and got the daily wrap up reports edited and onto the web and out to hundreds of worldwide media outlets by the end of each day.  Phew!

 It was a spectacular event: 5000 sailors racing in 23 separate classes of keelboats, cruisers and grand prix performance yachts.  Music, entertainment, a visit by HRH the Princess Royal lasting two days.

 I’m looking forward to next year’s (2027) schedule of media management roles at some of the world’s key regattas.

 You can read all about North Sails Cowes Week 2026 and the news reports here.

Images courtesy of Paul Wyeth. www.pwpictures. com