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 Mary the Virgin Church, Cowes The church is part of a single Benefice with Holy Trinity Church, Cowes. The church has a two-manual organ built by Henry Willis & Sons. Its specification is on the National Pipe Organ Register. St Mary the Virgin Church, Cowes St Mary the Virgin Church, Cowes is a Church of England parish church in Cowes, Isle of Wight. It is in Church Road, next to Northwood House. The first church on the site was built in 1657, during the Commonwealth of England. A chancel designed by Joseph Richards was added in 1811. John Nash designed the west tower, which was