This year, the Isle of Wight plays host to the fantastic Solitaire du Figaro, the world’s leading annual solo sailing race. Make your way to Cowes from June 22nd and 26th to experience this exciting, family friendly event as part of the Island’s ‘Festival of the Sea’ celebrations.

This professional sailing race is not only a great event for sailing buffs, but also perfect for families who want to relax and enjoy the summer festival vibe provided by the bustling race village. The event is free to attend.

The activities taking place in the race village at Cowes Yacht Haven includes:

• Bond’s Victorian Funfair
• Climbing Wall from Island Adventure Activities
• UKSA Try Sailing - every day
• UKSA Information & fun games stand, plus sailing simulator
• Red funnel Food Theatre - cooking demonstrations from local island chefs plus food stalls displaying island produce
• Skate-boarding taster sessions with Wight Action Sports
• Live painting of one of Tapnell Farm’s Wight Herd Cows with a Solitaire theme
• Artemis Offshore Academy will have a space to showcase the Solitaire’s British Sailing Team and their sponsors and partners - Pol Roger Champagne, Kilchoman Whisky & Musto Clothing.
• Daily Live Interviews with sailors on event stage
• Giant outdoor screen to watch boat arrivals, departure and footage of the previous leg race to Cowes.
• Yakovlevs Airshow (2 planes) - 12:00 Sunday 26th June - http://www.yakovlevs.com/

Family Fun Centre: * IOW Zoo - meet the critters + walkabout characters * Pirate & mermaid themed interactive story telling workshops by Enchanted Isle UK * Arts & Craft, ‘make & take’ nautical themed workshops by The Creation Station * Feather Fun Hair Salon (hair braiding & accessories) by Wight Bamboo * Face painting by Isle of Wight Face Paint

For more information please visit the website - http://www.lasolitaireuk.com/schedule