Cowes for the use of Queen Elizabeth I sowed the seed for Cowes to grow into a world-renowned centre of boat-building. However, seafaring for recreation and sport remained the exception rather than the rule until much later. It was not until the reign of keen sailor George IV that the stage was set for the heyday of Cowes as 'The Yachting Capital of the World.' In 1826 the Royal Yacht Squadron organised a three-day regatta for the first time and the next year the king signified his approval of the event by presenting a cup to mark the occasion. This became
St James's Church, East Cowes build was £3,000. Between 1864 and 1868, the church was greatly enlarged and altered by the architect Thomas Hellyer. In 1870, the chancel was added, as well as a private chapel. In June 2009, a new project started allowing the congregation of the church to meet before services to have breakfast together. Yearly, the church also holds a Jigsaw Puzzle Festival, which is during August and lasts for one week. The church is in a United Benefice with St. Mildred's Church, Whippingham. St James's Church, East Cowes St James's Church, East Cowes is the Church of England parish church of