"She thinks of nothing but the Isle of Wight, and she calls it the Island, as if there were not another island in the world" ~ Jane Austen, Mansfield Park

Being the largest island off the coast of England...

and being the avid sailor that Ren Man is...

the Isle of Wight was destined to be our playground for a day.
Only ten miles from Southampton by ferry...
we turned up and took off.

Add sunshine to a bank holiday in the sailing center of Cowes and you have a sea of sailboats.

As the location of the first America's Cup in 1851, the boats raced around this island...

and still turn up by the hundreds to compete in regattas,
one being the Round the Island Race.

And where does Her Majesty and family...
and the Royal Yacht Squadron...

dock their boat?

At the Royal Landing Place, of course.

Our day on this island was magical, 

Tea n Biscuit Boys

as we strolled in and out of shops...

lunched well...

and happened upon an open day at Northwood House 
where live music and singing was performed throughout the house, 
coffee and tea could be enjoyed on the lawn,
and we relished the opportunity to visit with some locals.

 Meanwhile...
we only experienced Cowes...
and there is so much more to see on this island.
Ren Man would love to crew 
in the Round the Island Race the end of this month.
So...
if you own a sailing yacht and need a skilled sailor...
 call 555-luv-sail.
(I have no idea who would answer if you really call)

We even know where we will hang out...

Vintage Vacations

after the race.

Happy Tuesday.