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
The Varsity Yacht Race Trophy. The race is normally run just before BUSA and after the end of Lent term, in order to give both teams time to train up some of their new intake and get a bit more training before BUSA. The racing normally takes place during a Sunsail regatta weekend, but entering other races, such alternating between the Fastnet and Cork or Cowes Week has been mooted for the future if funding can be found. The Cambridge University Cruising Club – CUCrC, donated a cup, which is awarded to the winner each year. The Varsity Yacht Race The Yacht Varsity is