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
Yorkshire Cup (horse race) a conditions race after the war. It temporarily reverted to a handicap in 1951. That year's edition was titled the Yorkshire Stayers' Handicap. Its previous format was restored in 1952. The race continued with its original distance until 1965. It was cut to 1¾ miles in 1966. It was given Group 2 status in 1971. The Yorkshire Cup became part of the British Champions Series in 2011. It is now the first race in the long-distance division, which concludes with the British Champions Long Distance Cup in October. The race is currently held on the final day of York's three-day