Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust announced as Official Charity for Cowes Week 2026 Bicentenary

The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is a charity that inspires 8-24 year-olds to believe in a brighter future beyond cancer © Martin Allen Photography

Cowes Week Limited is delighted to welcome the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust as the Official Charity for the landmark 2026 bicentenary regatta.

Founded in 2003 by Dame Ellen MacArthur - after she was inspired by sailing with a French charity supporting young people with cancer - the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust has supported almost 4,000 young people aged 8 - 24. From its bases in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight and in Largs, Scotland, the Trust uses sailing and outdoor adventure to inspire young people living through and beyond cancer to believe in a brighter future. Its very first voyage welcomed five young people from Great Ormond Street Hospital, and the charity has continued to grow in scale and impact ever since.

During the 2026 regatta, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust will be showcased in the Parade Regatta Village, where visitors can learn more about the charity's work. Families can look forward to an array of activities, and one of the Trust's yachts will be moored at Trinity Landing, offering guided tours during the week.

Bob Trimble, Chairman of Cowes Week Ltd commented: "We are honoured to partner with the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust for our bicentenary year. Cowes Week has always been about community, inspiration, and the joy of being on the water - values that the Trust embodies so powerfully. Their work changes young lives, and we are proud to help shine a spotlight on their remarkable impact during this milestone regatta."

Frank Fletcher, CEO of the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust said: "It's a wonderful thing to be Cowes Week's official charity for 2026, especially as it celebrates its 200th year, and it will make a huge difference. Young people need somewhere to turn after a traumatic diagnosis, somewhere they feel they belong, and where they are reminded of what they can still achieve.

"At the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, sailing and the outdoors give young people the freedom and sense of possibility they are looking for. They start to believe in themselves again and look forward to what's next in life. Everyone who enjoys Cowes Week understands the power and potential sailing has, and with their support, more young people living through and beyond cancer will feel inspired to believe in a brighter future."