Cowes Brief

Cowes Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Wight Vodka RS Elite Nationals at Royal Yacht Squadron

January 18, 2012

It is not only 12 Metres, 8 Metres and Super Yachts that have attractive events planned at the Royal Yacht Squadron in this British Olympic Year. The RS Elite National Championships will round up this year’s prominent RYS summer programme when the Class descends on the home of yachting, from 30th August to 2nd September, to race for their major annual title.

Wight Vodka

If a championship hosted in the hallowed Yacht Squadron Castle with the fleet berthed on its very own doorstep were not enough to whet the appetite, then headline sponsorship from premium brand Wight Vodka certainly completes the sensory picture. One-design RS Elites always deliver adrenalin-pumping races at their championships, so add to that the picture of Wight Vodka cocktails on the pristine RYS lawn before the big Class Dinner in the Castle and one has an idea of what this yacht regatta is all about!

No wonder, then, that a record RS Elite fleet looks certain to take to the Solent for this championship, including a strong contingent from Ireland who have already committed to the trip, guaranteeing some of the strongest contenders for the title as well as a lively atmosphere ashore.

Top Elite sailors, including defending 2011 champions the Brown family and 2010 victor Crauford McKeon, will also be out to lift the trophy. As the RYS Yachting Secretary Chris Mason (himself no stranger to top level sailboat racing) says, “The Royal Yacht Squadron is delighted to be hosting the Wight Vodka RS Elite National Championships. The regatta will come at the end of a very busy season for us, and will be a fitting finish to what is going to be a spectacular year at the RYS and in the UK. The Solent will provide varied and exciting racing; throw in tide, weather and a large fleet of competitive one design boats, and whoever comes out on top will be a worthy National Champion. With strong fleets of RS Elites on the South Coast we hope that this regatta on the Isle of Wight will spark a continued development of the Cowes fleet. Personally, I’m really looking forward to watching high class fleet racing from the Royal Yacht Squadron“.

RS is thought to be the world’s fastest growing sailboat brand and the 24’ RS Elite keelboat is the flagship of the company’s range, with fleets in Belfast, Edinburgh, Lymington, Burnham, Hayling Island and even a holiday charter fleet at Nonsuch Bay, Antigua (stand by for news of the first Elite Class regatta there in early 2013!).

The RS Elite Class Association is delighted to have secured sponsorship from the increasingly popular Wight Vodka brand during these tough economic times. Its Island ethos, prominent nautical slogan (“Tack and Gybe Responsibly”), admirable bottle design, and premium quality perfectly complement what is bound to be an exhilarating four days of close quarter RS Elite racing off the impressive Royal Yacht Squadron battlements.

Ritu Manocha, joint owner of 50 Degrees North yacht (so named after the Isle of Wight latitude, and the company behind Wight Vodka), is understandably enthusiastic about their commitment to British sailing and island life.

“I’m very proud to be working so closely with RS Sailing and the Royal Yacht Squadron to support the RS Elite Nationals. Being an Olympic year, Wight Vodka is involved in many great events, but we’re certainly looking forward to the end of August and to participating in a fantastic four days of highly competitive RS racing coupled with many fabulous social events!“

The Westward Cup 2012 Extends Invitations to Eight Big Class Yachts

January 05, 2012

Eight of the most stunning Big Class yachts in the world have been confirmed by the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) to come and grace the shores of the Solent and compete in the second edition of the Westward Cup regatta, held in June 11-16, 2012.

The beauty of Big Class yacht racing in Cowes during the inaugural Westward Cup in 2010 - Photo by Franco Pace

The beauty of Big Class yacht racing in Cowes during the inaugural Westward Cup in 2010 - Photo by Franco Pace

Run in association with the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) and the Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM) with the RYS as the Organising Authority, the Westward Cup was first held in July 2010 and was a tremendous success for everyone taking part. It marked the revival of and interest in Big Class yacht racing in the Solent and around the world.

55m luxury charter yacht ELENA

55m luxury charter yacht ELENA

46m sailing yacht LULWORTH

46m sailing yacht LULWORTH

The Clubs have now extended invitations to the owners of the following yachts to race in June:

39.50m sailing yacht Altair by Fife & Co.
55m charter yacht Elena by Factoria Naval de Marin
46m sailing yacht Lulworth by Hakvoort Yachts
38m super yacht Mariquita by Fife & Co.
41m luxury yacht Cambria by Fife & Co.
50m sailing yacht Eleonora E (ex Eleonora) by Van der Graaf
42m Mariette superyacht by Herreshoff
32m super yacht Moonbeam IV by Fife & Co.

38m luxury yacht MARIQUITA

38m luxury yacht MARIQUITA

Speaking on behalf of the RYS, David Aisher, Rear Commodore Yachting, commented that after the immense success of the inaugural event in 2010, the organisers are delighted to once again be staging the Westward Cup in Cowes and are hoping for maximum take-up of the invitations to enter the Westward Cup 2012.

41m super yacht CAMBRIA

41m super yacht CAMBRIA

He said, “The Westward Cup is a unique event for these exquisite racing yachts. Apart from the competitive and challenging racing opportunities that the Solent and adjacent waters can provide, there is the relaxing and welcoming atmosphere of Cowes and the many clubs here, the true ‘home of yachting’ to many of these yachts. The RYS will provide a base for the owners and their guests, and, by staging the Westward Cup in Cowes, will also be providing the devotees of Big Class yachting a spectacle rarely seen in Solent waters.”

50m ELEONORA superyacht

50m ELEONORA superyacht

The RYS will run the racing along the successful lines of 2010, making maximum use of the waters around the Isle of Wight to ensure the captains and crews enjoy challenging and competitive racing that only these waters can deliver. Racing will be scored under the International IRC Rule.

42m sailing yacht MARIETTE

42m sailing yacht MARIETTE

The RYS may also produce results under a modified CIM rule to enable comparison of results using a rule used at other regattas by these magnificent yachts. It is also the intention to include a race around the Isle of Wight, subject to weather conditions.

32m super yacht MOONBEAM IV

32m super yacht MOONBEAM IV

Entry list for the 2012 Superyacht Cup is growing

December 16, 2011

Organisers of the Superyacht Cup are getting ready for one of their biggest years ever, thanks to the increase in the 2012 entry list for the famous Palma regatta and the brand new Superyacht Cup Cowes, UK regatta in the past two months.

Palma Superyacht Cup 2011

Palma Superyacht Cup 2011

Currently over 20 superyachts have registered for the special edition of the Superyacht Cup in Cowes, UK from 22-25 July 2012 to take place just a few days before the start of the 2012 London Olympics. Meanwhile, the Palma Superyacht Cup (20-23 June 2012) has already received 15 entries with just 5 spaces left for yachts wanting to moor at the Muelle Viejo dock.

The first ever Superyacht Cup Cowes is gathering momentum and at the current time many of the registered yachts have found suitable moorings in Cowes. The Cowes Harbour Commission have been instrumental in accommodating the needs of the fleet and understanding the importance of the yachts being able to have easy access to Cowes and the Royal Yacht Squadron.

Aerial View of Cowes, Isle of Wight

Aerial View of Cowes, Isle of Wight

“We are used to having large fleets of yachts visiting Cowes at one time but the size and draft requirements of the Superyacht Cup fleet has given us a new challenge” commented Stuart McIntosh, Cowes Habour Master. “But I am pleased to confirm we have so far found berths for all the enquiries, and expect to accommodate many more. We have the option of laying additional moorings and a limited number of berths are still available at various locations in the vicinity of Cowes. It will certainly add to the atmosphere of the event to have the fleet together.”

The Royal Yacht Squadron will be the central base for the regatta with the race office, registration, opening cocktail reception and prize-giving all taking place in the spectacular setting of the club pavilion with views over the Solent. David Aisher, the Rear Commodore Yachting, expressed his support and enthusiasm for the yacht regatta.

“We have been delighted with the positive response from both the owners of these magnificent yachts and their captains. 2012 will be an exceptional year for the Club with more than our usual number of spectacular sailing events, such as this one, celebrating both her Majesty´s Golden Jubilee and the Olympics. Seeing the fleet of Superyachts sailing in the Solent really will be an event not to be missed by anyone at all interested in sailing. We look forward, very much, to welcoming all the participants to the Castle in July.”

Confirmed sponsors for both Cowes and Palma Superyacht Cup regattas include Elvström Sails and Pantaenius, whilst the Palma event has confirmed Silver sponsorships from ZIS, McMaster Yachts, Reckmann, Astilleros de Mallorca, Pendennis and the Rolling Stock Group.

2011 Nautica Outstanding Seamanship Award

November 24, 2011

This year’s 80th Anniversary J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, presented and led by the Island Sailing Club (ISC) in Cowes, Isle of Wight, was the largest ever to be staged with 1,908 yachts present. It was introduced in very difficult weather conditions that lead to a particularly high number of incidents on the water and the highest level of nominations ever for the Nautica Outstanding Seamanship Award, now in its 4th year.

One of the joint Nautica Outstanding Seamanship Award winners, Michael Hook. Photo Patrick Eden

One of the joint Nautica Outstanding Seamanship Award winners, Michael Hook. Photo: Patrick Eden

The Nautica Outstanding Seamanship Award recognises acts of good seamanship on Race day and is open to all those involved, whether competitors, spectators, members of the emergency services or race officers.

Among the many worthy nominations following the June 25th Race, were two extraordinarily strong nominations for skippers coming to the rescue of two separate ‘Man Overboard’ (MOB) incidents, both in big seas.

The joint winners of the Nautica Outstanding Seamanship Award for 2011 and each also receiving a handsome Nautica watch, are Michael Hook, skipper on the Britannia Events chartered Flying Fish, GBR 9043T, for rescuing a man overboard from a Laser SB3, and Paul Harris, owner and skipper of Tan-It, a Sydney 36, for rescuing a man overboard from Jings!, a J133.

The Award’s judging panel comprising Gavin Crilly-McKean (Nautica Watches), Dave Atkinson (ISC Race Management) and Simon Boulding (Britannia Corporate Events) stated that the winners were selected because, “successful MOB recoveries in such unforgiving circumstances have to be exercised with a great deal of skill and without a moment’s hesitation or regard for the rescuer’s race results.”

Rolex Fastnet Race to start in 2 days

August 12, 2011

With just over two days left until the start of the Rolex Fastnet Race, a press conference was held yesterday in the Sir Max Aitken Museum in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. It was a case of standing room only for the international press that will be covering the Rolex Fastnet Race, the oldest and most prestigious offshore yacht race in the world.

L-R Charlie Enright (Vanquish), Henry Smith (Yeoman of Wight), Brian Thompson (Maxi Banque Populaire), George David (Rambler 100), Campbell Field & Ross Field (Hupane), Ken Newman (Marinero), Mike Sanderson (Team Sanya), Bernard Stamm (Cheminees Poujoulat). Photo: RORC/Paul Wyeth

L-R Charlie Enright (Vanquish), Henry Smith (Yeoman of Wight), Brian Thompson (Maxi Banque Populaire), George David (Rambler 100), Campbell Field & Ross Field (Hupane), Ken Newman (Marinero), Mike Sanderson (Team Sanya), Bernard Stamm (Cheminees Poujoulat). Photo: RORC/Paul Wyeth


Eddie Warden Owen, Chief Executive of the Royal Ocean Racing Club summed up the quality and quantity of this year’s race: “The 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race is not just a record fleet, it is a fantastic fleet from professional high performance racing yachts to family owned production yachts raced by corinthian sailors. The biggest yacht is a 140′ Trimaran, Maxi Banque Populaire and the smallest,Brightwork a 30′ cruising yacht. It is an amazing array of yachts, quite outstanding.”

RORC Commodore, Andrew McIrvine will be racing his First 40, La Réponse and the Commodore has had to qualify for this race just like all of the 300 hundred yachts racing under IRC.

“Besides a large fleet of professional teams racing, there are thousands of sailors competing for the Fastnet Challenge Cup. The Rolex Fastnet Race is a challenge for any of the competitors and this year, the Royal Ocean Racing Club has had a really windy season, so in qualifying for the Race, the competitors are very well prepared. This race was sold out in 11 days back in January. It looks like we are going to have a fantastic race and everybody is really looking forward to it,” commented McIrvine.

George David, skipper of Rambler 100, has been enjoying an incredible season, winning the RORC Caribbean 600 overall and taking line honours in last month’s Transatlantic Race. The 100′ canting keel Maxi is the hot favourite to take line honours for the monohull division, but David is not taking anything for granted: “The weather forecast suggests that we should have wind for the race, there is disagreement about the direction with different forecast models, but it looks as though we should have wind of 12-20 knots, maybe more. We think we could have a shot at the record, but we will see how things go. My main concern when racing is that in order to come first, first you have to finish.”

Ross and Campbell Field, the father and son team from New Zealand are both highly accomplished professional sailors, but are new to the Class 40 scene and this will be their first race together on Hupane. There are over 20 Class 40s in the Rolex Fastnet Race, arguably the most competitive fleet assembled this year.

“I have done a lot of sailing with my Dad and we get on just fine. We are new to the class and we decided to enter this race with a very strong field to see where we are compared to the experienced and successful teams, but we are under no illusions, this is a very good fleet of Class 40s. On board, sometimes I call him Dad, other times Ross, it depends on what message we are trying to get across.” said Campbell.

Henry Smith is a squad member of the British Keelboat Academy and will be skippering Yeoman of Wight, which has been loaned to the Academy for young aspiring sailors by former RORC Commodore, David Aisher: “It has always been a personal goal, it is an iconic race and one that I have always wanted to do and this will be my first time. The team on Yeoman are all young, the average age of the crew is 21 and it is very exciting for all of us to be competing, a bit of an Everest really.”

In sharp contrast to the young crew on Yeoman of Wight, Ken Newman will be competing in his 27th Fastnet Race in Marinero. Ken reminisced about his first race: “I am in awe sitting here with these supreme sailors. I am glad to be here, but at the age of 82 and a quarter, I am glad to be anywhere! My first Fastnet was in 1957 when 40 boats left Cowes in a gale and by the time we got to Brixham, we had lost both halliards. I had to row ashore to get new blocks which I don’t think I paid for. How times have changed since then.”

Fastnet Rock

Fastnet Rock

The largest yacht competing in the Rolex Fastnet Race is without doubt the quickest. The 140′ Trimaran, Maxi Banque Populaire is skippered by the legendary Loick Peyron and amongst the 14 crew on board is helmsman, Brian Thompson, holder of over 20 world records. “Banque Populaire is capable of reaching and maintaining a speed of nearly 40 knots for several hours. We recently completed a 360 mile race in 12 hours. My dream would be to finish the race with just one night at sea and get in late on Monday night, but the weather may not cooperate.  We would like to thank the RORC for allowing big multihulls into the race and add an extra dimension to it. This year, it is an unbelievable fleet, the best Rolex Fastnet Race ever, possibly the best ocean race ever.”

The Rolex Fastnet Race starts on Sunday 14th August at 1100 BST. All of the competing yachts will be fitted with the latest tracking systems from Yellowbrick and many of the yachts are capable of sending back messages, pictures and even video of the drama as it unfolds.

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!

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.

2011 Panerai British Classic Week: Classic Yachts & Cars Meet On Day 5

July 22, 2011

Up bright and early for the 9 AM scheduled start time of their long inshore race, competitors at the 2011 Panerai British Classic Week in Cowes were greeted by the best breezes of the regatta so far when they arrived at the dock this morning. Whilst the crews busied in the marina themselves preparing their classic yachts for the day’s racing, immediately adjacent to them on the shore, the owners of 60 classic cars taking part in the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation (HERO) Summer Trial were readying their machines for a time trial around the Isle of Wight. As the fleet of classic yachts glided serenely out of the marina, simultaneously and in stark contrast, with much revving of engines and squealing of tyres, the spectacular collection of vintage motor cars made a much noisier and more exuberant exit for their day of competition. Joining the vintage cars for the day was a Royal Marine Land Rover representing the Royal Navy & Royal Marine’s Charity, to which the HERO members had earlier generously donated a cheque for £1000.

Cars from HERO (Historic Endurance Rally Organisation), The Solent, UK - Panerai British Week 2011.' Lloyd Images ©

Cars from HERO (Historic Endurance Rally Organisation), The Solent, UK - Panerai British Week 2011.' Lloyd Images ©

Having been competing at the regatta all week, Gipsy Moth IV owners Rob Thompson and Eileen Skinner chose today to announce the launch of their new charity, The Gipsy Moth Trust. Regarded as a part of British maritime heritage after Sir Francis Chichester sailed Gipsy Moth IV around the world in 1966-67, Rob and Eileen have donated the boat to charity as a gift to ensure it is safeguarded for the nation and can continue to provide opportunities for the public to learn about her historic significance.

Since purchasing Gipsy Moth in October 2010, Rob and Eileen have worked in partnership with maritime charity UKSA to begin to ensure that the boat is both available to the public to view and is used as a tool to give disadvantaged or disabled young people the chance to broaden their horizons and change their lives through sailing.

The Trust aims to continue this work, with Gipsy Moth regularly attending events such as Panerai British Classic Week, Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week and the ASTO Small Ships Race. At each event there will be opportunities for schools, youth groups and members of the public to view Gipsy Moth, including getting onboard and below decks.

The Trust will also continue to work with UKSA to engage with young people through schools and youth groups to provide opportunities to learn to sail or to link a visit to Gipsy Moth IV to the schools’ curriculum.

Meanwhile, out on the Solent racing got underway in a solid 10 knots of breeze, giving the whole fleet, and the larger yachts in particular, a chance to stretch their legs. In Class 1 it was Stephen Jone’s self designed modern classic ‘Meteor’ which reveled in the conditions and secured a comfortable race win. Racing in Class 2 saw John Lister’s 1937 12 Metre ‘Wings’ cruise to victory, whilst Sir Michael Briggs’s 1904 ‘Mikado’ continued her dominance of Class 3, notching up her third consecutive win of the regatta so far. In turn, Class 4 was won comfortably by David Myatt’s 1948 ‘Maguerite’, her second victory of the week.

Tomorrow’s final day of racing has just one race officially scheduled, but if conditions allow, the Race Committee will no doubt be keen to catch up with the race lost due to light winds on Tuesday. Accordingly the final day start time has been brought forward to 10.30 AM. With the points situation close in several of the classes, Friday will offer the final chance of glory for those with aspirations of lifting their overall class trophies.

View a selection of luxury classic sailing yachts available for yacht charters here.

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