Spitfire, vintage Rolls Royce and classic yachts on Cowes Classic Day

A Spitfire display and a high-speed WW2 Motor Gun Boat sail past will be among the draws when the Cowes Classic sailing regatta returns to the Isle of Wight, on Sunday, July 7.

Classic cars, motorbikes and yachts will be joined by aircraft displays and free entertainment.

A 1932 Rolls Royce, a 2007 Aston Martin and a recreation of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be among the four-wheelers on display, on Cowes Parade, among nearly 60 classic cars.

Moored at the adjacent Trinity Landing will be yachts and motorboats to explore on Cowes Classic Day, which marks the start of Cowes Classics Week.

See vintage cars on Cowes Parade (Image: Cowes Classic Week)

Also taking place will be a Harley Davison motorbike drive past and live music from Harriet Jane.

There will be over 100 classic yachts including Metre Yachts, Old Gaffers, Darings, Dragons, Sunbeams, Swallows and XODs, which will be racing from Monday, July 8.

The event is supported by Cowes Town Council and organised by the Royal London Yacht Club.

"Cowes Classic Day is now in its third year," said co-organiser Brian Howard.

"We are delighted it continues to grow and attract car enthusiasts from the Island and beyond.”

New for 2024 is the association with the Classic Channel Regatta, which includes two days' racing at Dartmouth, and the Round l’Île de Bréhat Race, with a start from Cowes on Sunday, July 14.