Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012 Brief

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012 Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

A very successful Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012

August 21, 2012

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012 offered some amazing racing conditions for the majority of the yachts at the regatta with sunshine as well as good breeze. This popular event drew to a successful close at Saturday night’s overall prize-giving, as trophies were received by successful sailors belonging to all the classes.

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012

Commenting on the Week, Stuart Quarrie, regatta CEO, said: “The variety of conditions during the Week made for some exciting and challenging racing. The southerly winds we saw for much of the Week made it more complicated in the shifty conditions for both the sailors and for the course-setters who were forced to set beats and runs across the tide, where even a small variation in wind can disrupt the best laid plans!”

Martin Gilbert, CEO of Aberdeen Asset Management said: “We at Aberdeen have enjoyed another successful Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. The event clearly caught the tide of excitement, inclusivity and sporting endeavour created by the London 2012 Olympics, as competitors, spectators and those new to Cowes and sailing all played their part in producing an energetic atmosphere both on and offshore. We pass on our appreciation to the competitors, organisers and spectators alike for making this year’s event truly memorable.”

One of the highlights of the Week was the close competition between the under 25 year-olds racing for the newly introduced Aberdeen Asset Management Under 25’s Trophy. The trophy was won by William Goldsmith on the J/80 Exess following a series of second places in her class throughout the Week and a win on Thursday. William (19) from Maldon, Essex is a member of the British Keelboat Academy and last sailed at the regatta two years ago. Commenting on the team’s win and the week’s racing, William said: “It has been a fantastic week and to win this trophy is unbelievable. It makes all our hard work to get here, really worthwhile.”

The Young Skipper’s Trophy was hotly contested this year with Squib sailor Fred Warren-Smith – who has won the trophy for the last 2 years – narrowly missing out on the prize to IRC Class 2’s Andrew Sinclair (19) racing Trustmarque Quokka.

The largest class at the 2012 regatta was once again the 83 boat-strong XOD Class. The class was won by the 2010 winner Catherine, raced by Stephen & Peter Lawrence and Paddy Smart who also had the best result overall across the four Westmacott one-design classes at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week (Seaview Mermaid, Solent Sunbeams, XODs and Victorys). This meant that they also won the Westmacott Trophy, awarded by the Royal Naval and Royal Albert Yacht Club.

IRC Class Zero, saw some close sailing throughout the week with Powerplay and Pace, on occasion being separated by just one second on corrected time at the top of the leaderboard. While Powerplay won the class overall, it was Pace that claimed the highly prized Britannia Cup and New York Yacht Club Challenge Trophy for Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s races.

On Thursday, the round the Island record was smashed by more than 10 minutes when the MOD 70 one-design trimaran yacht Foncia, skippered by Michel Desjoyeaux, established a new record of 2 hours, 21 minutes, 25 seconds while racing in the Artemis Challenge.

The overall winner of White Group was the Redwing Harlequin who pipped Squib Lady Penelope to the post. Coincidentally, the overall Black Group trophy went to a J/109 also called Harlequin. Jointly owned by Jonathan Calascione and Jonny Goodwin, Harlequin also sealed victory as the overall winner of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012.

Ashore there was a vibrant atmosphere with a strong line-up of après-sail parties throughout the week. Family Day took place on Sunday 12 August and was a great success and many families came to Cowes to enjoy the special activities for the day. Ladies Day on Thursday 16 August saw Annie O’Sullivan of Girls For Sail win the coveted Ladies Day Trophy for her efforts over the last 13 years in getting more women into the sport of sailing.  Joining the Best of British Celebrations on Friday 17 August were Skandia Team GBR just one week after representing Great Britain in the sailing events at Weymouth. They received a warm welcome from members of the public who had lots of opportunities to meet and talk with some of the heroes of sailing. The day was rounded-off by the traditional fireworks display, heralded by many as the best ever. Donations to the display are still possible on the event website.

For those feeling euphoric at the end of a great week of racing, entries for Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2013 are now open. The regatta dates are 3-10 August and anyone entering before the end of 2012 will be entered into a prize draw to win a rebate of the entry fee; a £1,000 contribution towards berthing fees, courtesy of the four main mooring providers of East Cowes Marina, Shepards Wharf Marina, Cowes Harbour Moorings and Cowes Yacht Haven; a £75 bar tab at Shepards Wharf Marina; Sperry Top-Sider performance shoes for the entire crew; ‘5 of the best’ products from Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare; 2 x 70cl 10 year old bottles of Talisker and 12 rocking glasses; a 25L Gill dry bag for the entire crew; and a sea survival course, courtesy of Ondeck.

Organisers of the regatta are inviting feedback to help build on the success of this year’s event. The online survey can be accessed via the regatta’s official website.

Antigua Sailing Week team visits Cowes in the UK

August 10, 2012

This year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week will be marked by the special visit of the Antigua Sailing Week team. During this popular yacht regatta, now also known as ‘the Cowes of the Caribbean’, the team is to meet up with partners, sponsors as well as crews, also meeting some of the key players who organise one of the biggest yacht regattas worldwide, assessing what can be used for the additional improvement of the Antigua Sailing Week’s management in the future.

Antigua Sailing Week 2013
The Antigua Sailing Week team and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (‘ABTA’) are providing a one day sponsorship at the Cowes Yacht Haven. Crews will enjoy post race hospitality courtesy of the ABTA. For three lucky crews there will also be the opportunity to walk away with a bottle of English Harbour Rum for each crew member racing on Sunday 12th August as well as one coveted free entry to Antigua Sailing Week 2013.

There is also another opportunity to get a taste of Antigua in the UK as tonight from 6.30pm English Harbour Rum arrives at the King and Queen Pub in Hamble quite literally. The King and Queen has the best range of Caribbean rums in the area with only one rum missing to date-English Harbour Rum. In conjunction with landlady Janet Bradley, the Antigua Sailing Week team and ABTA will finally make good and will be able to offer English Harbour Rum from the optics for those Antigua rum lovers who want to taste a piece of Antigua in between visits to the island.

Louay Habib, more renowned for his international race reports, will be DJ for the night, ensuring a complete Caribbean night right here in the UK. Whether one has visited Antigua and Antigua Sailing Week and misses the taste of the amber nectar, or is a rum lover and wants to see how English Harbour Rum measures up to his current favourite, he can come and join the team on Friday evening to enjoy a little bit of Antigua Sailing Week in the UK.

Mount Gay Rum to support Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week as the official ‘Regatta Rum’

June 07, 2012

The world’s well known sailing yacht regatta Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week will be once again supported by Mount Gay Rum, bringing a Caribbean vibe across the Atlantic Ocean from the Island of Barbados. Thousands of sailors in hundreds of yachts will face the Solent waters, popular for its nautical legacy, firmly connecting Cowes, the Isle of Wight sailing Mecca with its more tropical counterpart, Barbados, the coral reefed Island as well as birthplace of rum.

MGR logo

Brand Manager, Alvin Saal is delighted to be associated with one of the UK‘s most successful sporting events, particularly in this Olympic year: “It’s a great opportunity for us to connect and reward our loyal followers: the sailing community and also introduce the premium rum brand to new consumers. Mount Gay Rum has long been associated with sailors and the sea and as the official ‘Regatta Rum’, competitors can enjoy their favourite Mount Gay Rum after a competitive day on the water.”

With its official ‘Regatta Rum’ status, Mount Gay Rum will also be supporting and sampling both Mount Gay Eclipse Rum and Mount Gay Extra Old Rum at a number of events and hosting consumer, trade and yachting press. Competitions in local and national print media and radio, as well as sampling activities, Caribbean music and Mount Gay Rum being served at venues throughout the town, will bring a real Bajan feel to this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.

As much as sailors love Mount Gay Rum, they love Mount Gay Rum Red Caps from regattas around the world as much. Many aspire to collecting one from every regatta they have sailed in. This year, the first 500 competitors to enter The Mount Gay Rum Red Cap crew party at Peppermint Shepard’s Wharf on Thursday 16th August, will be rewarded with one of the most cherished mementoes of any regatta – the coveted Mount Gay Rum Red Cap! Tickets will sell out fast for the party which features live Caribbean music and theming as well as Mount Gay Rum cocktails.

A Special Year for Great Britain to mark Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012

May 28, 2012

A very special year for Great Britain will also mark the 2012 Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, full of fun as well as festivities. Helping to give the yacht regatta its international flavour, the entries confirmed so far are from Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA.

Young sailors competing at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week (c) Rick Tomlinson_CWL

Young sailors competing at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week (c) Rick Tomlinson_CWL

The first international entry to be received this year was Pierre Viard’s Adrénaline from Le Havre in France. Pierre sailed at the regatta for the first time in 2011. Last year was a difficult year for Pierre’s boat and crew who, like many others, had a hard time sailing upwind against the tide and experienced a dismasting on the Thursday of last year’s regatta. Rather than letting this put them off, they have changed the mast, upgraded the boat and hope to take their revenge at this year’s regatta! Commenting on last year’s experience, Pierre said: “I enjoyed this regatta because the fleet of IRC boats is amazing, the standard on the water is great, and to race with a big IRC fleet relatively close to home is just wonderful”.

US skipper Ted Sawyer will be in Cowes for the first time since breaking his neck during the Dragon Edinburgh Cup, in Cowes six years ago! The event will be the swan song of his wonderful cold-moulded Petticrow Dragon Clairvoyant which will be sold after the event. As Ted will be 80 years old in 2013, Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week will probably be his last major UK regatta in the Dragon class. Between them, Ted’s two professional crew, Stavros (Martin Payne) and Pedro Andrade have won over 15 International & National Dragon titles and are threatening to give local favourite, Graham Bailey, a run for his money!

Closer to home, Brian Cooper of East Cowes was the fastest out of the blocks with his entry for Little Spirit being the first received by Cowes Week Limited. Home-grown Island talent will feature strongly among those battling for pole position at this year’s regatta, and the Island contingent will be hoping their local knowledge will provide an advantage in August.

The new Aberdeen Asset Management youth scheme has proved very popular with the offer of funding support to the first ten entries with a full crew complement of under 25 year-olds being snapped up. Among those contesting for the Aberdeen Asset Management Under 25’s Trophy are the Davies brothers at 16, 17 and 18 years-old who will be racing their XOD Westwind. There are three entries from the British Keelboat Academy; a partnership between the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA) and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) designed to support young people aged 18-24 in developing the skills needed to take their keelboat racing to a professional level. From further afield, the Welsh crew racing in the Etchell’s class on Darling S, kindly loaned to them for the season by Ted Fort, will be making the journey to Cowes in August. Additionally, a team comprised entirely of Newcastle University students from the School of Marine Science and Technology will be racing in the ISCRS class in their aptly named boat, Newcastle University.

This year’s regatta promises to be better than ever with celebrations of Olympic proportions as the country celebrates a summer of royal heritage and sporting prowess. So, for those that are deliberating entry for this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, try not to leave it too long as the early bird discount on entry fees, berthing (where applicable), and ferry travel is set to revert to standard prices after 17:00 on Monday 4 June. In addition, it should be noted that requirements for the deep water swinging moorings must be booked with Cowes Harbour Commission and paid for by Friday 8 June in order to guarantee a mooring.

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week takes place hot on the heels of the London Olympic Games in 2012, the 11th – 18th August.

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.