Water to Shore Connectivity: Icom Hybrid LTE and VHF Solutions Power Cowes Week 2026

We were proud to serve as the Official Communications Supplier for the historic 200th anniversary of Cowes Week, which took place in the first week of August.

Celebrating two centuries of elite competitive sailing, the iconic regatta was a great success with over 5,000 competitors across 642 boats, the return of the traditional fireworks display (after a six-year break) and strong competitive sailing in glorious weather.

As part of our support, we provided a hybrid communications solution to ensure smooth operations for the duration of the event.

Event organisers used Icom IP503H LTE/ PoC handhelds for shore based operations, while committee vessels along with their associated ribs were equipped with a range of Icom Marine VHF radios for the Race Management Team.

Jo Chugg, Equipment Officer for Cowes Week commented, "Having managed equipment for the regatta for nearly 20 years, I am regularly seen walking from one venue to another with three radios on me chatting away, so that I am able to monitor the Cowes Control VHF Channel along with the Cowes Harbour Channel and IP501H. My goal is keeping all of our on water & race management teams happy and good communication is absolutely key to this. I love Icom radios as they are lightweight and not too heavy and are easy to hear when walking around all day."

For more information about Cowes Week, visit www.cowesweek.co.uk.

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Icom UK Marketing - marketing@icomuk.co.uk