Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week Brief

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Skandia Team GBR’s top sailors to attend the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012

May 23, 2012

Only one week after competing for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Skandia Team GBR’s best sailors are expected to participate in the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012, as announced yesterday, supporting the event’s ‘Best of British’ theme.

Skandia Team GBR Sailors at the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week Launch Day Credit: Getty Images

Skandia Team GBR's Sailors at the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week Launch Day Credit: Getty Images

This year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week immediately follows the London 2012 Olympic Games and will provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate what has historically been one of Great Britain’s most successful Olympic sports.

Skandia Team GBR’s sailors are due to attend the regatta on Friday 17th August. Organisers are working with the RYA, Aberdeen Asset Management and Volvo, Skandia Team GBR sponsor and Official Car Supplier to the event, to create a programme for the sailors that enables competitors and spectators at the event to celebrate their efforts in this summer’s Games.

Saskia Clark and Hannah Mills, who represent Great Britain in the 470 class, and Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell also competing in the 470 class were at the Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes yesterday to make the announcement alongside double Olympic Gold Medallist Shirley Robertson and organisers of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.

25 year-old Luke Patience said: “Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is great fun and competitive. It is that nice balance between a fantastic social scene and extremely tough racing on possibly the most famous stretch of water in the world! I am really looking forward to being there in August, especially straight after the Olympics where I hope we will have something to celebrate with the sailing public.

“What I love about Cowes Week is that it can host any ages, just pick the right class. It is always hectic and there is always some kind of story to take home with you.”

There will be a red, white and blue theme around Cowes during the regatta week, (11-18 August) and a chance to watch the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games live on the big screens throughout Cowes on Sunday 12 August which will coincide with special Family Day activities.

The official event charity, Toe in the Water, will be also hosting a ‘Best of British’ crew party on Friday 17 August and the organisers of the event are waiving the entry fee for the first ten entries received from past British sailing Olympians.

Stuart Quarrie, CEO of Cowes Week Limited said: “Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week regularly attracts world class professional sailors and weekend enthusiasts, all competing on a level playing field.  Together with the vibrant atmosphere off the water, this is what makes the regatta so special.  We are thrilled that some of the sailors competing for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games will be here with us to enjoy this year’s event.”

Commenting on the announcement, Martin Gilbert, CEO of Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “As Title Sponsor of one of the world’s most famous regattas we are delighted that our top British sailors will be coming to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week this year. We wish them all the best for London 2012 and we are looking forward to celebrating their efforts at the Olympic Games when they arrive at the regatta. Not only is this great for the sailing community but the thousands of visitors which Cowes attracts every year.”

Aberdeen Asset Management to support the Cowes Week fireworks display

May 16, 2012

Aberdeen Asset Management extends its support to incorporate an important proportion of the necessary funding to safeguard the traditional event of fireworks display. The information has been released just after the news that the financial services company has decided to prolong its sponsorship of the renowned regatta, Cowes Week, until 2015.

Fireworks to light the skies at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012_(c)RickTomlinson

Fireworks to light the skies at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012 (c) RickTomlinson

Commenting on the announcement, Martin Gilbert, CEO of Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “The fireworks display on the final Friday of Cowes Week is one of the regatta’s great traditions. Aberdeen Asset Management, in partnership with a range of financial groups and other organisations  is proud to be playing a key role.”

The other organisations to have come forward with financial support for the fireworks so far include: Cowes Week Limited, Cowes Town Waterfront Trust, City AM newspaper, Artemis Investment Management, JLT Specialty Limited, the Island Sailing Club, the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, the Royal London Yacht Club, the Royal Yacht Squadron, the Royal Ocean Racing Club, GKN, Red Funnel Ferries, Blue Funnel Ferries, and Solent and Wightline Cruises. Other donations are anticipated following pledges of support.

Stuart Quarrie, CEO of Cowes Week Limited said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Aberdeen Asset Management and the other organisations involved in creating a solution for the fireworks. We are pleased to confirm that Cowes Week Limited is pledging to match any donations received from members of the public over the coming months”.

The fireworks display will be held on the final Friday of this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, Friday 17th August.

Champagne Lanson – a New Official Champagne of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week

April 26, 2012

Cowes Week Limited is pleased to present Champagne Lanson, one of the oldest Champagne Houses in the world, as the new Official Champagne of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, running from 11 to 18 August, 2012.

White Label Champagne Lanson will be enjoyed at many of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week's social event

White Label Champagne Lanson will be enjoyed at many of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week's social events

Champagne Lanson, established in 1760, is the second largest Champagne in the world and is proud of its rich heritage, tradition and quality. The use of special fermentation processes gives the Champagne a delicate, fresher and fruitier taste – the perfect accompaniment for the early evening social events that are a signature part of the après-sail activity at the world-famous regatta.

Commenting on the announcement Gemma Wills of Lanson International said: “Champagne Lanson is very excited to be adding Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week to its schedule of events and associations with the sailing world. We’re very much looking forward to sharing our Champagnes with everyone at the regatta, especially our new White Label product which we will be introducing at this year’s event.”

Michelle Warner, Sales & Marketing Director for Cowes Week Limited added: “Throughout the Week there will be plenty of reasons for celebration, particularly in this special ’Best of British’ year.  Among those racing, there’s a strong sense of teamwork and achievement after a hard day out on the water, and we’re thrilled that we have the perfect partner in Champagne Lanson to help Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week competitors and visitors celebrate their own personal triumphs in style”.

White Label, Black Label, Rosé Label and Gold Label Vintage Champagne Lanson will be available throughout Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, which takes place 11 – 18 August 2012.

Royal Southern Yacht Club celebrates 175th Anniversary

August 10, 2011

In 2012, the Royal Southern Yacht Club will celebrate the 175th Anniversary of its formation in January 1837.  Born on the rising tide of enthusiastic support for yachting in the early days of Queen Victoria’s reign, the Club has enjoyed royal patronage throughout its life, graced initially by Queen Victoria and, for the last 59 years, by HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, first as Admiral and latterly as Patron.

It is fitting that the Club has launched its 175 Anniversary programme of signature sailing events during the world’s oldest yachting regatta, Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, a programme that highlights how successfully a traditional Club has embraced modern values.

During 2012 there will be key events running in each month, underlining the Club’s position in its local Hamble community as well as in the wider international yachting arena. Thus, the Club will be organising an extraordinary breadth of events ranging from sailing community open days, a luncheon at a Royal palace, a 16-day regatta in The Solent, the 50th edition of the Cowes-Deauville Race, right through to its hosting of the British Open 12 Metre Championships.

Yachtswoman Sam Davies at the launch of the Royal Southern Yacht Club's new offshore Biscay 2012 Race in Cowes - Photo by Michael Austen Photography

Yachtswoman Sam Davies at the launch of the Royal Southern Yacht Club's new offshore Biscay 2012 Race in Cowes - Photo by Michael Austen Photography

Later in the year, the Club is host to the Conference of the International Council of Yacht Clubs (ICOYC), and runs international match-racing in The Solent, a Youth regatta, a photographic exhibition, and the inaugural running of a newly launched offshore yacht race, the Biscay 2012, with English yachtswoman Sam Davies announced as its Ambassador.

Sam spoke about her own future sailing plans for the Vendée Globe 2012, taking into account the imminent birth of her first child, and she also spoke passionately about the birth of BIscay 2012, saying:

“Any sailing initiative that helps encourage a wider audience to participate in some competitive offshore racing has to be a good thing. Being able to encourage the Club’s racing members to sign up to this but also open it up to a wider sailing fraternity to enter Biscay 2012 is very welcomed. The Royal Southern’s Race Management is superlative and Biscay 2012 couldn’t be in better hands. Congratulations to you all and thanks again for inviting me to be a part of it.”

In planning 2012, the requirement has always been to leave a legacy for Club members. This is epitomised in the plans for the Biscay 2012 Race.  Subsequently, the Biscay Race will run every other year and may provide an interesting counterpoint to the Rolex Fastnet Race.

The Royal Southern’s global reach is constantly expanding, both through its membership of the ICOYC and its 36 reciprocal Clubs worldwide.

The Club enjoys a membership whose active interests range from dinghy racing to offshore racing, cruising under sail and power, and a substantial motorboat fleet. There are 1,600 adult members and 200 cadets and the 20-year Youth Sailing Programme has already – and continues – to deliver world class sailors.

In tandem with the announcement of the Club’s 175 Anniversary programme, the Royal Southern Yacht Club Commodore, Mark Inkster, also announced the first tranche of supporting partners.

Gaastra is an authentic Dutch fashion brand with a DNA structure based on a passion for sailing and the sea. The international reputation of the company is built on a unique mixture of functionality and fashion, consistently implemented in the Gaastra Pro and Gaastra Sportswear collections. Gaastra Pro is the ultimate professional line run by sailors, which uses cutting-edge technology and materials to provide the best possible comfort and protection regardless of whether a challenging transatlantic regatta or a recreational excursion in inland waters. Gaastra is proud sponsor of many important yacht clubs, sailing events and teams throughout the world, including les Voile de St. Barth, Copa del Rey – Audi Mapfre and Bol D’Or Mirabaud.

Piper-Heidsieck Champagne traces its roots back to 1785 and allegedly sipped by Queen Marie-Antoinette at Verseilles, by 1815, Christian Heidsieck and Henry-Guillaume Piper were supplying fourteen Royal and Imperial courts with their champagne. Always associated with art and fashion, Marylin Monroe woke up to it, Jean-Paul Gautier dressed bottles in a limited edition and its red label symbolises a heritage of enthusiasm, passion, panache and excellence. Piper-Heidsieck Champagne is already well known in yachting circles and is distributed in Britain by First Drinks Brands.

Sunsail Racing is the technical partner for the Biscay 2012 Race, with a new fleet of Sunsail F40 performance cruiser/racers, built by Beneteau, constituting the largest part of the Royal Southern Yacht Club’s inaugural Biscay 2012 race fleet. Sunsail offers a wide choice of sailing holidays with over 800 yachts in 30 locations throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, Indian Ocean and Europe, making it the largest sailing and watersports holiday companies in the world. Sunsail was founded in 1974 and is owned by TUI Travel, PLC.

Swarovski Optik : Wilhelm Swarovski commenced commercial production of binoculars in 1949, incorporating glass that was ground and polished using the machinery and techniques that his father invented in 1895 to produce polished gemstones in elegant and innovative designs. The Swarovski Corporation is now a world leader in both the high fashion business and as a specialist manufacturer of high precision long range binoculars, telescopes, riflescopes, range finders, image intensifiers and optical components.

During the unveiling of some of the 175 th Anniversary highlights to an audience of media and VIPs gathered in Cowes on Tuesday evening, Commodore Mark Inkster said:

“As the youngest Commodore ever to serve the Royal Southern, I feel particularly honoured to be presiding over such a remarkable anniversary that falls within my term. Very few people can have seen the wide variety of activities and enormous support of its members who volunteer to keep the Club on the straight and narrow and the wheels turning.”

Preparations underway for an Incredible Inaugural Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week

August 05, 2011

This Saturday one of the world’s most spectacular sailing regattas, Cowes Week, will celebrate its 185thyear with new title sponsor, Aberdeen Asset Management, on-board. This year sees a number of changes as organisers, in partnership with Aberdeen, work to ensure that 2011 is the best regatta yet.

Image from the Cowes Week in 2009 - Spinnaker fleet - Copyright 2009 Rick Tomlinson

Image from the Cowes Week in 2009 - Spinnaker fleet - Copyright 2009 Rick Tomlinson

Weather outlook

The outlook for the weather according to regatta CEO, Stuart Quarrie: “At this stage, it appears that the weather for Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week will be quite unsettled, but with generally decent breezes and the possibility of some windy days. The first couple of days look as if they will be dry, but by Monday there may be showers developing. The wind direction is likely to be predominantly from the west, varying as a series of low pressure systems track across the north of the UK.”

New additions and changes for 2011

A number of changes have been made for this year’s event as a direct result of feedback received from sailors, and in a bid to continue to make further improvements to this world renowned regatta:

  • Racing for boats rated under the Island Sailing Club Rating System (ISCRS) has been reinstated for the entire week following interest from a number of cruisers. This has resulted in many boats opting to either race within this Class rather than in the IRC (non-spinnaker) Class or under IRC and therefore the IRC (non-spinnaker) Class has been removed.
  • Racing is being provided for some of the largest and most glamorous boats in the world as they arrive in Cowes for the start of the Rolex Fastnet Race. Boats between 18.2m and 30.5m LOA with a TCC of greater than 1.4 will race within a mini-series – the Big Boat Series – over three days of the regatta (Tuesday 9, Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11).
  • A mobile-friendly version of the event website has been created to give smartphone users instant access to results, news, start times, courses and entertainment schedules during the regatta. Smartphone users will simply need to go to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week’s website and will be automatically taken to the mobile version of the site.
  • A tracking system is being trialed with the IRC Class 0, Dragon and Multihull classes this year, thanks to funding from Aberdeen Asset Management. The ‘ngTrack’ system, developed by the event’s technology partner, NGR, uses competitors’ own smartphones instead of expensive dedicated tracking devices to monitor the locations of boats taking part. Position data will be transmitted in real-time to regatta HQ and, as this is a trial, will be available to a limited number of people to view online through a simple, easy-to-use viewer. It is the intention that, following the success of the trial, the facility will be extended to the wider Cowes Week fleet and spectator audience in 2012.
  • Ramora UK, the world-renowned provider of Explosive Ordnance Disposal training and support services, is providing a free distress flare disposal service to sailors taking part in the regatta at Shepards Wharf Marina on Friday 5 August between 15:00 and 18:00. This will enable safe, legal clearance of out-of-date flares.
  • A Skippers Briefing will take place in the mezzanine bar of the Cowes Yacht Haven Event Centre on Friday 5 August at 18:30 for the White Group and 19:30 for the Black Group. This is designed to provide some helpful hints for those racing, and highlight some of the nuances of racing at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week to help competitors avoid common mistakes.
  • The top three boats in each class will have a choice of a daily prize: an engraved glass or a voucher courtesy of our Official Technical Clothing Partner, Gill (£15 for a win, £10 for second, and £5 for third place). Each daily class winner will additionally receive a race winner’s flag. All daily prizes should be collected from the Regatta Office.

Class anniversaries a cause for celebrations

There are plenty of celebratory activities planned throughout the week with some very special events planned:

  • The XOD Centenary sees a staggering 145 boats entered in the class. This is by far the largest single fleet to have ever raced at the event and smashes the record of largest fleet size previously held by the Laser SB3’s by over 60%! The XOD fleet will hold a ‘regatta within the regatta’ on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with HRH The Princess Royal expected to fire the start gun for the XODs on Thursday 11 August. There are many celebratory plans throughout the week in support of this remarkable milestone for the Class. Details can be found on Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week’s website under the entertainment schedule.
  • The Contessa 32 Class celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Class celebrations will take place throughout Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, with various social events after racing and a special allcomers` anniversary race on Sunday 7 August.

In addition to the traditional fleets racing at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, there are a number of favourite associated events returning to add some additional sparkle again this year, including:

  • The Extreme Sailing Series (Saturday 6 – Friday 12 August):  The Solent will once again play host to the only UK stop, for the fifth consecutive year, on the global nine-event Extreme Sailing Series™. Twelve Extreme 40 catamarans, with world-renowned sailors from 15 nationalities, will line-up on 6 August for seven days of high-octane ‘stadium sailing’ action the circuit has become renowned for. In 2011, Cowes Week title sponsor Aberdeen Asset Management , will have their own entry into the Series skippered by British Olympic 49er class contender John Pink.
  • Artemis Challenge (Wednesday 10 August): The Artemis Challenge at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is now in its sixth year and will see a fleet of five IMOCA 60s racing around the Isle of Wight, following the original America’s Cup route, raising money for good causes.  Every year Artemis Investment Management donates a charity prize fund of £10,000 for the race, which goes to a charity of the winner’s choice.  Whilst the IMOCA 60 skippers are used to racing alone or with just one co-skipper, they will be joined for the Artemis Challenge by an experienced racing crew and some special celebrity guests who will this year include Ewan McGregor, Zara Phillips and Natalie Pinkham.

The Artemis Challenge will start at 10am off the Royal Yacht Squadron on Wednesday 10 August.

Keep up to date with what’s happening on-the-water, on-the-move!

Staying in touch with what’s happening throughout the event has never been easier.

  • A mobile version of the website is available on smartphones, providing quick and easy access to the all-important results as well as news, start times, courses and entertainment schedules. You can also enjoy the full version of the site in its fresh now-look format.
  • Tune-in to Cowes Radio on 87.7FM for the latest race commentary news, entertainment, and of course results!
  • EventTV, the official broadcast channel for Cowes Week, will be showing live and highlights footage of the racing action, a full classified results service and all the latest news, weather and racing information live from Regatta HQ on giant screens throughout Cowes as well as in most of the bars and yacht clubs. EventTV is on-air 24 hours a day during the event, courtesy of the event’s technology partner, NGR.

Enjoy the event in person and online – here’s to a fantastic inaugural Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week!

Ewan McGregor, Zara Phillips and Natalie Pinkham to Race for Charity at Artemis Challenge

August 03, 2011

The fifth edition of the Artemis Challenge is set to continue the tradition of attracting big name stars as Ewan McGregor, Zara Phillips and Natalie Pinkham take to the water in 2011. The Artemis Challenge, a high adrenaline 50 mile race around the Isle of Wight to claim a £10,000 charity prize fund, will take place on Wednesday August 10th in the middle of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, the world’s largest sailing regatta and one of the UK’s biggest sporting events.

Ewan McGregor to Race for Charity at Artemis Challenge - Photo Credit Artemis Challenge

Ewan McGregor to Race for Charity at Artemis Challenge - Photo Credit Artemis Challenge

Hollywood A-lister Ewan McGregor, who will join British round-the-world skipper Alex Thomson onboard Hugo Boss, said, “I’m excited to experience the thrill of yacht racing from the very deck of the boat and I’ll be doing my best to help Alex win so that we can donate the prize money to UNICEF’s East Africa Appeal. There’s never been a more important time to support the children of the region who so desperately need our help.” Zara Phillips, former world champion equestrienne, will be racing her third Artemis Challenge on Artemis Ocean Racing, skippered this year by record-breaking yachtswoman Dee Caffari.

TV and radio presenter Natalie Pinkham will sail with Zara and Dee, racing to support Toe in the Water, a non-profit organisation which uses sailing as a vehicle to re-inspire injured servicemen and women, all of whom have been profoundly wounded, some sustaining loss of limb/s and who are currently being treated at Headley Court, the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre. Dee Caffari said, “It is great to be back on the helm of Artemis Ocean Racing to try to win £10,000 for Toe in the Water.

The Artemis Challenge is a great spectacle for the IMOCA 60 yachts and with Zara and Natalie onboard I’m sure we will make a great team.” The Artemis Challenge, sponsored by Artemis investment Management, one of the UK’s leading investment companies and the largest British sponsor in offshore sailing, is recognised as one of the key events of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week and is a magnificent spectacle, showcasing the best of offshore racing within easy reach of spectators.

The start line this year already features a world class line up of five latest generation IMOCA 60s, the same racing machines that compete in the legendary non-stop round the world Vendée Globe solo race, and the Artemis Challenge is the only UK-based IMOCA event. The race follows the classic America’s Cup route around the Isle of Wight, starting at 10 AM on the Royal Yacht Squadron Line. The winner will be the IMOCA 60 that takes line honours after completing the 50 mile sprint back to the Royal Yacht Squadron Line (weather permitting), winning £10,000 for the charity of choice of the skipper.

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week: Technological Developments Announced

August 02, 2011

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week has a new online presence for this year’s regatta which starts on Saturday 6 August. With funding support from Aberdeen Asset Management, the event’s fresh, new-look website has been designed and built by technology partner, NGR, and features special user zones for competitors, visitors and press and improved navigation to make the site easier to use. A mobile-friendly version of the site has also been created to give smartphone users instant access to results, news, start times, courses and entertainment schedules during the regatta. The design of the new website has taken into account feedback received from competitors and online visitors. 

Technology Developments at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week

Technology Developments at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week

Aberdeen is also providing support for a live GPS boat tracking system trial at this year’s regatta. The ‘ngTrack’ system, also developed by NGR, uses competitors’ own smartphones instead of expensive dedicated tracking devices to monitor the locations of boats taking part. Position data is transmitted in real-time to regatta HQ and is available to view online through a simple, easy-to-use viewer. The system is being trialed with the IRC Class 0, Dragon and Multihull classes this year, but Aberdeen hope to extend the facility to the wider Cowes Week fleet in 2012.

Commenting on this year’s tracking trial, CWL Chief Executive, Stuart Quarrie commented:”I have been keen to secure a tracking solution for the regatta for some time and this trial bodes well for a total solution in future years. Being able to track the fleet will be a huge bonus from both a spectator and race management viewpoint”.

Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management said: “The new tracking system is something we’re really pleased to have been able to support in our first year at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. At Aberdeen we are aiming to help enhance the event and hopefully this cutting-edge GPS tracking system trial will do just that for all those taking part. We are very much looking forward to receiving feedback from these initial trials to find out if this initiative has been the success we all hope it will be so that we can look to extend it to the whole fleet in 2012.”

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week: Traditional Favourites and Exciting New Developments

July 31, 2011

Excitement is building in the final approach to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week (6-13 August) and, with little more than a week to go; organisers are pleased to confirm the full shore-side and entertainment schedule. In addition to the traditional favourites, there are several new and exciting developments too. Highlights for this year include:

Red Arrows take to the skies at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week

Red Arrows take to the skies at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week

The return of the Red Arrows – Saturday 6 August

The sensational Red Arrows will perform their jaw-dropping display at 19:30 on Saturday 6 August (the first Saturday of the event). The Red Arrows are pleased to make a return to the skies above Cowes after a disappointment in 2010 when the display had to be cancelled due to poor weather and visibility.

A day for the whole family – Sunday 7 August

To help parents and children get the most out of their time at the regatta, a range of family-friendly activities and group offers have been introduced exclusively for Family Day which will take place, for the first time, on Sunday 7 August. The special free events include:

•             A children’s flag-making competition (11am – 2pm) in the Ondeck VIP area at Cowes Yacht Haven.

•             Viewings aboard the iconic Gipsy Moth IV off Trinity Landing (11am – 2pm).

•             Viewing aboard the Sea Cadets training ship, TS John Jerwood, off Trinity Landing (1pm – 5pm)

•             Remote-controlled model-boat racing (5pm – 7pm) off Trinity Landing, Cowes Parade.

•             A village fete throughout the day at Northwood Park.

•             “Wonders of the Universe” stargazing evening courtesy of the Islands own astronomer (9.30pm – 10.30pm). Arrive from 7pm for canapés and cocktails from the pay bar at Northwood House.

•             Spot prizes awarded on the water to families racing together, courtesy of Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare and Bainbridge International.

In addition, hour-long sailing lessons with the UKSA are available to families of four for a special discounted price of just £15 on Family Day (book at the Try Sailing Unit on Cowes Parade).

More adventurous families can enjoy a “Rock up and RIB” outing with Ondeck who are offering a special discounted ticket price of £95 for a family of four, or, for a slower-paced spectator experience, the spectator boat service has a significantly discounted family ticket price of £20 for 2 adults and 2 children, exclusively for Family Day.

Ladies Day, in association with the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation – Tuesday 9 August

For the last five years, Ladies Day at Cowes Week has provided a celebration of the outstanding successes of women in sailing. This year, a partnership with the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation continues that tradition but also recognises the wider achievements of the country’s sportswomen and a number of personalities from across the world of sport will be in Cowes in support of the Ladies Day celebrations. 

The main focus of the Ladies Day celebrations will be an evening reception on the Pier at Shepards Wharf Marina during which the Ladies Day Trophy will be presented – an award that recognises an outstanding contribution, commitment or achievement of a woman in sailing. Nominations for the Ladies Day Trophy can be made on the event website (www.aamcowesweek.co.uk) until midnight on Friday 5 August.

Ladies Day also features a range of celebratory activities for women, including:

-              On-the-spot prizes awarded at random out on the water to female sailors.

-              10% discount on all Gill purchases for female shoppers in the Aquatogs store in Cowes as well as at the Gill retail unit at Cowes Yacht Haven.

-              Free entry to Club Infernos for ladies before 00:30 (subject to capacity).

Toe in the Water Curry Night – Wednesday 10 August

A crew curry night will be held at Shepards Wharf Marina on Wednesday 10 August. Island Ales have brewed a special ‘Toe in the Water’ ale which is available at the Toe in the Water Crew Bar, and chefs from the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment will provide the food and military pipers!.

The Official Mount Gay Red Cap Party – Thursday 11 August

The infamous Mount Gay Red Cap party will take place on Thursday 11 August at Shepards Wharf Marina at which there will be a chance to gain one of the most cherished mementoes of any regatta – the coveted Mount Gay Red Cap! A free Red Cap will be given to the first 500 people to buy a ticket and tickets will be available from the Toe in the Water Crew Bar at Shepards for just £5.

TALISKER® Single Malt Scotch Whisky Presents the World’s First Ever Sail-In Cinema – Friday 12 August

TALISKER, the Single Malt Scotch Whisky-Made by the Sea, is hosting the world’s first Sail-In Cinema off Cowes Esplanade at 7pm on Friday 12 August.

The screening of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World will be shown on a giant screen and boats arriving in the Solent just off Cowes for the fireworks will be able to enjoy this unique form of entertainment. The choice of film was selected by Facebook fans and Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week competitors.

Fireworks – Friday 12 August

A highlight of the event each year is the world-renowned fireworks, which take place on the final Friday of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. Tens of thousands of spectators enjoy the spectacular display over the Solent.

Both the event organisers, Cowes Week Limited, and Aberdeen Asset Management as the title sponsor of the event have committed sizeable contributions to the display this year. However, additional funds are still needed, and a fundraising campaign involving the local community continues to work hard to secure funding. Donations can be made securely online and any surplus funds will contribute towards the 2011 display.

Mount Gay Rum sponsors Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week

May 20, 2011

Mount Gay Rum will be back to support Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week as the official ‘Regatta Rum’. Around 8,500 competitors sailing in nearly 1,000 boats and many more visitors will be able to enjoy ‘the rum that invented rum’ which has a heritage dating back to 1705.

Mount Gay Rum sponsors Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week . Credit Owen Buggy - Plugphotography.com

Mount Gay Rum sponsors Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week . Credit Owen Buggy - Plugphotography.com

Alvin Saal, Brand Manager for Mount Gay Rum, comments: “We are happy to be associated with one of the UK’s longest running and most successful sporting events as it is the ideal platform for us to promote the world’s oldest rum. Our connection with the sailing community has helped cement the brand’s position in the golden rum category and after a highly successful regatta as Supporting Sponsor last year, Mount Gay Rum’s status and popularity has increased even more.”

Mount Gay Eclipse and the premium Extra Old variants will be sampled at a variety of events and functions throughout the Week and the sailor’s favourite tipple will also be available in bars, yachts clubs and venues throughout the town. With its official Regatta Rum status, Mount Gay will also be supporting a number of special events and functions including the largest and oldest fleet racing in the regatta, the XOD Class who are celebrating their centenary and Toe in the Water, the event’s official charity.

One social function not to be missed will be the infamous Mount Gay Red Cap party on Wednesday 10th August. There will be a chance to gain one of the most cherished mementoes of any regatta – the coveted Mount Gay Red Cap! Tickets will sell out fast and will be available at the Mount Gay Rum Cocktail Bar on Town Quay, Cowes.

Mount Gay Rum:

• Mount Gay supports over 120 regattas worldwide.

• Mount Gay Rum is distributed in the UK by leading drinks distributor First Drinks Brands.

•Mount Gay Rum, the finest, oldest brand of rum in existence, has been produced in Barbados with passion and unparalleled excellence since 1703. Expertly fashioned from rich sugar cane and with the pristine, coral-filtered water native to the Island, Mount Gay Rum is a sumptuous, inimitable expression of the Barbadian art of living.

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week – 6th-13th August 2011:

• Cowes Week is one of the longest running events in UK sporting history having first taken place in 1826.

• Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is an inclusive, aspirational sailing regatta; the largest of its kind in the world.

• Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week attracts around 1,000 yachts in up to 40 classes, and 8,500 competitors ranging from weekend sailors through to Olympic medallists and World Champions.

• Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week has a lively festival atmosphere ashore with a broad range of social activities that provide an exciting and varied “après-sail” programme.

• Supporting Sponsors for Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week include: BOSS Watches, Gill, Liz Earle, Isle of Wight Council, Mount Gay, Piper-Heidsieck, Sperry Top-Sider, Talisker, and Wightcable.