Cowes Brief

Cowes Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Rolex Fastnet Race 2011: Tortoises and Hares

May 20, 2011

The Rolex Fastnet is more than just a race. When the British Isles weather conspires to deliver conditions typical of the time of year it becomes a true test of human endeavour. It is for this reason that the 608-nautical mile race consistently attracts a large and varied fleet: man and machine set against the elements. The 44th edition, which starts from Cowes on Sunday, 14 August 2011, is no exception. The entry list opened in early January and within ten days was closed. The 300-boat limit reached with record speed.

Spectators at the Royal Yacht Squadron Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

Spectators at the Royal Yacht Squadron Photo credit Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

The fateful 1979 race still holds the record for most yachts to start: 303. That number may well be broken this year. Organiser, the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), inundated with requests from the ‘professional’ classes such as the Volvo Open 70s, the IMOCA 60s, Class 40s and Multihulls, has determined that these entrants will be counted above the 300-boat limit: an excellent decision for all those with an ambition to take on one of the biggest, offshore classics in the world of yacht racing.

Sailing yacht RAMBLER, George David Rolex Fastnet Race 2007 Credit - ROLEX Carlo Borlenghi

Sailing yacht RAMBLER, George David Rolex Fastnet Race 2007 Credit - ROLEX Carlo Borlenghi

Speed Machine

The Rolex Fastnet traces its history back to 1925. Held biennially since 1931 (except for a break between 1939 and 1947) the race to the Fastnet Rock, off the southwestern tip of Ireland has attracted a mix of sailing’s royalty – the stars of the sport, and, a huge number of more Corinthian of participants, all ready to test themselves over the course. Little surprise that two of the fastest, most advanced yachts of the age headline the entry-list. Course record holder Mike Slade and the 100-foot (30.5-metre) ICAP Leopard sailing yacht  (GBR) are scheduled to go head-to-head with 2007 rival, American, George David. This year the odds may not favour Slade so much as they did four years ago when he set the benchmark monohull time of 44 hours 18 minutes. David has a new Rambler. Rambler 100 to be precise, the former Speedboat, and generally regarded as the Maxi of her generation … potentially. She has yet to be tested properly against the elite of Europe or the Southern Hemisphere. There are no guarantees in yacht racing, but if the winds are favourable, expect a dramatic dogfight all the way to the finish in Plymouth.

George David, owner of RAMBLER & Mike Slade, owner of ICAP LEOPARD, second and first boats across the finish line Rolex Fastnet Race 2007 ©PhotoROLEX Carlo Borlenghi

George David, owner of RAMBLER & Mike Slade, owner of ICAP LEOPARD, second and first boats across the finish line Rolex Fastnet Race 2007 ©PhotoROLEX Carlo Borlenghi

Winning Machine

After a truly memorable first race in 2009, when they won overall, Niklas and Catherine Zennstrom are returning with their all-conquering 72-foot Rán 2 (GBR). The mostly British crew of the Judel/Vrolijk design have proved her ability on both long and short courses, wrapping up the inaugural Mini Maxi Rolex World Championship in 2010. The Rolex Fastnet, though, is a race that allows powerful legs to be stretched. “We’ve now done quite a lot of offshore races,” remarks Zennstrom, “the Rolex Fastnet is probably the top race together with Rolex Sydney Hobart. As one of the world’s oldest offshore races it has such a pedigree.” Zennstrom believes the fact that it is held every second year is one of its key attractions along with the sheer number of participating yachts.

Niklas and Catherine Zennstrom, RAN, overall winner 2009 Credit Rolex Daniel Forster

Niklas and Catherine Zennstrom, RAN, overall winner 2009 Credit Rolex Daniel Forster

Winning in 2009 was understandably a “dream come true” for Zennstrom. With the disappointment of pulling out in the storm-ridden 2007 race still fresh, he is not assuming a second win will come easily. “Winning two races in a row is extremely unlikely. However when we planned this year’s races [the Rolex Fastnet] was an obvious choice. We love the challenge and we know the boat is still very competitive in the right conditions. But will we get the right conditions? Last time it was a big boat race, this time it may not and you may end up with a 40-foot cruising boat winning. That’s the nature of the offshore handicap races.”

As the founder of Skype, Zennstrom is one of a myriad of famous names to have taken on the Rolex Fastnet. Not all have been successful in their efforts, but like Zennstrom, many have returned time and again relishing all that the race entails. The list of well-known names from the world of business and commerce who have competed over the 86 year history of the race includes, Charles Dunstone (founder of Carphone Warehouse), media mogul Ted Turner, marketer Ludde Ingvall, Noel Lister (founder of MFI), Sir Maurice Laing (former CEO of Laings), libel lawyer Peter Carter Ruck, Ron Amey (former CEO of Amey) and newspaper magnate Sir Max Aitken. The race has been touched by politics with former Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Edward Heath and in popular culture by Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran.

Measured Machine

The Rolex Fastnet is not just about big yachts and big names. Reaching 300 entrants relies on participation of a considerable number of small, lesser known, yachts and crews for whom the taking part really is more important than the winning, even if deep down they harbour secret ambitions of the glory. With over one third of the fleet represented by boats of 40-foot or less, there are plenty of stories and rivalries to focus on.

One of the lowest rated, and therefore slowest, boats is the Contessa 32 Rainbow (GBR), skippered by Lee Egan. “There are four of us, all in our forties. I have been racing since my early twenties, working my way back from the bow. Chris Dunkerley has been sailing with me for the last three years and is inexperienced enough to enjoy frequenting the foredeck!” says Egan, who has done the race once before and is looking forward to skippering a boat for the first time. Whilst Slade, David and Zennstrom will contemplate a fast ride, Egan expects to be at sea for five to six days.” To be honest we just want to complete the race knowing that we have done everything we can to sail as fast as we can all of the time. If we have some long, windy beats then we should do pretty well but if it’s a light airs race then we’ll be happy to arrive in Plymouth before they have run out of Guinness.”

The main trophy for overall victory in the Rolex Fastnet is the Fastnet Challenge Cup. In addition, there are more than thirty additional trophies that will be awarded at the prize giving on Friday, 19 August at the historic Royal Citadel, home of the 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, overlooking Plymouth Sound and Sutton Harbour, where the majority of the fleet will berth.

The first signal for the start of the 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race sounds at 10:50 BST on Sunday, 14 August.

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.

Trinity House funds “future leaders of superyachting”

February 28, 2011

Youth charity and maritime training provider UKSA is seeking applications from young people to join its Yachting Cadetship training programme under an assisted funded scheme.

Successful maritime candidates will receive funding from Trinity House, the charity which supports the “future leaders of superyachting”, as part of its Professional Yachtsman Bursary Scheme (PYBS).

Funded student Cadet Eve Grisdale, (24)

Funded student Cadet Eve Grisdale, (24)

Now entering its third year, the Trinity House funded scheme helps young people who need financial support to be able to train and work towards a successful career in the maritime industry.  Deserving young people have 75% of their course fees paid for and also receive a maintenance grant to help them through their studies.

The Yachting Cadetship is a three year programme designed in consultation with the MCA (Maritime and Coastguard Agency) and includes a Foundation Degree in Operational Yacht Science. Cadets train both at UKSA and working aboard some of the world’s largest superyachts.

Jon Ely, Chief Executive at UKSA, commented: “By combining shore-based training and periods of working afloat, students are able to study to the very highest level and achieve their career goals. We are proud to be able to offer such exciting opportunities and look forward to working closely with successful applicants.”

Funded student Cadet Eve Grisdale, (24), who is in her final year of training, said: “I started my cadetship in 2008 and really love doing this job. You have so many ‘first time’ things; my first voyage, the first time I went to Norway, the first time I saw a frozen sea! I have had so many new experiences that you just don’t get in a nine to five office job and I’m looking forward to qualifying as an officer this year.”

For more information or to apply for the Cadetship and Trinity House funding,  please visit www.uksa.org/trinityhouse or call UKSA on 01983 203034. Applications needed to be submitted by April 30.

UKSA is a leading youth maritime charity, working to change lives through maritime education and personal development. 7,222 individuals benefited from UKSA’s charitable activity in 2010, of which 17.6 per cent received assisted funding from UKSA.

As a globally recognised professional training provider in yachting and watersports, UKSA has a strong alumni network in the global maritime industry. Its graduates include the world-renowned sailor Dee Caffari.

Based in Cowes, UKSA’s 3.5 acre on shore campus and fleet offers a comprehensive range of industry accredited yachting and watersports careers programmes, leisure training and multi activity watersports activities for schools and youth groups.

UKSA was founded by the retail entrepreneur Noel Lister.  The charity celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2012.

J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race latest entries

February 28, 2011

The sport of sailing offers so much to so many. Peta Stuart-Hunt reports on some of the latest entries to the 80th Round the Island Race

Everyone involved in organising the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race is delighted at the amount of interest being generated in, and the incredible number of entries already received (465) for, the 80th Anniversary Race. Do remember to enter by midnight on 5th March to benefit from the Early Bird rates!

Happy smiling people racing aboard LAITA in 2010 - Credit Paul Wyeth

Happy smiling people racing aboard LAITA in 2010 - Credit Paul Wyeth

The Race, which this year takes place on Saturday June 25th, will produce the most spectacular site as the enormous fleets of boats head off towards and around the famous Needles landmark.  For the spectators and the participants, it’s a stunning sight. It’s worth looking out for the fleet of ten Clipper 68s that has entered.

This year, there are four Tall Ships Youth Trust’s 72ft Challenger Yachts taking part.  Each yacht will be crewed by 12 adults, some of whom have no sailing experience at all. No need to worry though, as they will all be supported by experienced skippers, mates and a group of volunteers who will show them everything they need to know in order to sail the yachts safely around the Isle of Wight.

One of the groups getting involved is from the Rank Foundation, a grant giving charitable trust which is (in part) dedicated to investing in projects to help disadvantaged or disengaged young people.  On board the yachts will be a selection of qualified youth workers, young leaders and trainee youth workers all of whom are part of the Rank Network.

The Tall Ships Youth Trust is a registered charity whose main aim is to offer young people the opportunity to sail and gain life changing experiences and skills. However, there are also opportunities, like these, for adults to get onboard and gain from this magnificent experience, whilst also supporting the running of the Trust’s vessels so they can help more young people get afloat.

Dedicated dancers
In 2009 Cuan March spotted a Limbo Mini Tonner 21 that was literally about to be cut up and disposed of in a yard skip. He decided to rescue it having learned to sail with his brother on inland waters in Zimbabwe and having since undertaken many transatlantic deliveries.  Cuan and his brother named the boat EX-TIP, and restored her on a very limited budget.  Although this is Cuan’s 4th Round the Island Race, it will be a first for his brother and nephew who are crewing.

Following in the Limbo queue is Dedicated Dancer, a Limbo 6.6.  Owner David Robinson is entering the Race for the 23rd time in the same boat with his regular crew who have previously managed an impressive 3rd overall in 2009 but slipped to 62nd in 2010, so ‘they know they need to try harder’, quips David.

Still competitive after 25 years
London-based Ellis Ruddick is racing for the first time on his Westerly GK34, Scallywag. It is also the first time Andrew White has taken part sailing his new Etap 30 Mercator.  He’s actually done the Race five times on other boats but comments, “Taking my own boat around is a dream which I am proud to be realising. She’s a great boat for 25 years old, in great shape, and we are looking forward to a terrific day out with a few thousand like- minded people.”

Also ready for the challenge is Paul Drew, an engineering manager at Bradwell Nuclear Site.  His Beneteau First 29, Harvest Moon is also 25 years old, a comfortable cruiser and competitive club racer that has been based on the River Crouch for the last 20 years.

The ISC Class Calendar Girls join in!
Kalynda, is a Sasanka Viva 70 designed by Andrzej Skrzat – the most famous Polish yacht builder and designer  - and now owned by Neil Fuller who recently returned to sailing after a 25-year break. This is his first attempt at the Round the Island Race.

In the hopes of creating a ‘Calendar Girls’ theme, imagine my joy at seeing an entry for Kalinda, an 8M Van der Stadt design, built in 1970 and under shared ownership for the last 26 years. The team has entered six times since 1985, and one of the crew, Beverley Beach, is President of the London Corinthian Sailing Club.

Stepping back in time
The deck gear on Amelie Rose, a replica of an 1800s Scilly Islands Pilot Cutter and entered as a Scillonian Pilot Cutter 44′ in the Gaffer class, is nothing more modern than blocks, tackles and a 5ft tiller. As skipper Nick Beck observes, her crew of charter guests will certainly get in touch with some maritime history by the end of the Race as there’s little aboard that wouldn’t be recognised by a sailor in Nelson’s day.

Foxhound 24, Sleuth, is described by her long-term owner Paul Dale, as being a, “cheap, fast, old boat”.  With 20 Round the Island Races under their belt since 1983, maybe this Anniversary Race will prove her to be a ‘Super Sleuth’ and she will improve on her previous best of 205th overall.

A Carter 36, Mischief of Mercia, was constructed in 1974 for Bruce Banks and was part of the British One Ton Cup Team in the same year. In recent years she has been located in the Milford Haven area where she continues to race successfully under the ownership of Martin Sykes.

Cockles and loads of family muscles!
Three generations of the Cockle family will tackle the race on their Lagoon 380 Monocle. This 38ft catamaran is used mainly for cruising and this year the family have decided to use the event to raise funds for Greenwich and Bexley Cottage Hospice.

This is the third year that Bill Price and Helen Ancel have participated in the Race and the take-up for spaces has swelled so much that two Bavaria’s have been chartered to accommodate all 22 crew members. The wives will compete on Whistler, the spouses on Scimitar, each with a fair proportion of novices and those with slightly more experience on board. Whilst the competition is fierce, above all the families continue to champion family values.

Keith Parker will compete during what he refers to as his ‘Gap Year’, that is his cruise around mainland Britain. However, as he writes on his entry form that most of the three generations of crew, (including a 5 year-old Mirror sailor), will refer to Keith as ‘Pa’, we’re wondering whether this could be a somewhat belated ‘year out’ for Keith?  It is the first time Lysa Blue, a Prospect 900, will have participated in the Race as she is based in Fife and usually cruised in Scottish waters.

Offshore sailor John M. Young is skippering Zander, a Hallberg Rassy 34, in his first Round the Island Race. The family cruiser will be accommodating a crew of limited experience including his son and daughter and we wish them all a safe and speedy race.

Rebecca Granger skipper of Filumo, a Sparkman & Stephens She C32, a Classic Racing Yacht (ISCRS) built in 1973, is hoping to lead her all-male crew, including her father, to a Class win this year.

What’s the meaning of this?
This is the second year that skipper Duncan Thomson has entered the race on Grand Panjandrum.  Duncan states that his crew complement has a tendency to “drink all the beer and eat all the food” despite ‘Panjandrum’ having a listing in the Oxford Dictionary as meaning “a person who has or claims to have a great deal of authority or influence.” Perhaps it is time to pull rank Duncan?

Meanwhile, you need ‘a light or west wind’, a Zephyr, to get you across the start line in the Round the Island Race, and Russell Eden on Zephyr, a Cape Yachts Cape Cutter 19, will be looking forward to getting stuck in to his Race having just made this purchase.  Zephyr started life in Cape Town in 2003, moved to Lymington, Hampshire, then on to Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland. She was once stolen but the police tracked her down and she was returned to her rightful owner!

Follow the Race news on Twitter@roundtheisland and also on the new Race Facebook.

For everything else, please turn to the official Race website.

  • The Island Sailing Club is grateful for the continued support of the Race Title Sponsor, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, and the Race Partners: Britannia Events, Haven Knox-Johnston, Henri Lloyd, Nautica Watches, Old Pulteney Whisky, Raymarine, Red Funnel, Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Volvo Car UK
  • The 2011 Event is J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s 7th year as title sponsor and they retain title sponsorship up to and including 2012
  • The Round the Island Race was first established in 1931 – 2011 marks the 80th year of this iconic race
  • The Race starts and finishes in Cowes, Isle of Wight, the centre of British yachting
  • It is an all-encompassing event that caters for and embraces first timers, families, amateurs and professionals competing at the highest level. The event strapline is ‘Britain’s Favourite Yacht Race’
  • The J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race is the 4th largest participation sporting event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs, with around 16,000 sailors taking part over the course of one day
  • 2010’s Race had 1,754 entries and 1,607 finished the Race. This is the highest ever recorded number of finishers in the history of the Race. There were 47 retirements and 16 disqualifications/OCS (On the Course Side of the starting line)
  • The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust has been named as the Official Race Charity for 2011 and 2012.
  • £100,000 was raised for charities in 2010
  • Nautica Watches continues to sponsor the Outstanding Seamanship Award. Contact: Dan Calvert, UK Marketing Manager. T +44 208 326 6900
  • The record entry so far stands at 1,875 boats, achieved in 2008
  • The current monohull race record was set by Mike Slade (ICAP Leopard) in 2008 at 3.53.05
  • The multihull race record still stands at Francis Joyon’s 2001 time of 3.08.29

ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN –  EARLY BIRD ENTRY CLOSES 5 MARCH!

J Class Regatta Announced for Newport, June 2011

February 01, 2011

The J Class yachts VELSHEDA, sailing yacht RANGER and S/Y SHAMROCK V will be participating in the J CLASS NEWPORT REGATTA, the first of a series of global J Class events, culminating in the Hundred Guinea Cup race, Cowes 2012.

Sailing yacht Shamrock V - Credit J Class Yachts

Sailing yacht Shamrock V - Credit J Class Yachts

David Pitman, Secretary of the J Class Association announced that the first event in the J Class Global Calendar of events will be staged in Newport, RI. Racing in the famous waters of the America’s Cup, the J Class will use this regatta to kick off a four regatta programme culminating in a race around the Isle of Wight in July of 2012 on the original 1851 America’s Cup course, for the HUNDRED GUINEA CUP.

In 1930, Newport was the venue for the start of the remarkable J Class era. Between 1930 and 1937 there were just 10 of these stunning yachts constructed for the purpose of winning the America’s Cup. Two of the originals (Shamrock V  and Velsheda) will participate in Newport, together with sailing yacht Ranger, a true replica of the original. Negotiations continue with other new J yachts for them join the regatta.

J Class Sailing yacht Velsheda - Credit J Class Yachts

J Class Sailing yacht Velsheda - Credit J Class Yachts

Lars Loftus, Captain of Velsheda, said, “Our team looks forward to racing in Newport, Brad Read of Sail Newport has given us an exciting course inside the bay which will be very testing for our thirty race crew.”

In response, Dan Jackson, Captain of Ranger, said, “We look forward to competing against Velsheda on Ranger’s historic home waters.”

Sail Newport and the J Class Association are responsible for the on water race management of the regatta. The yachts and their teams will be based at the Newport Shipyard with crews staying at the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina.

The regatta series of 5 races will be run from June 15th to 19th, 2011 with starts and finishes off of Fort Adams. Viewing stands will be set up on the Northwestern corner of Fort Adams and other excellent viewing options will be at Castle Hill Inn and various spots in Jamestown.

Working with the US Coast Guard, Sail Newport will establish safe water viewing areas along the entire course.

Mr. Pitman closed the announcement by saying, “This will be the first competitive J Class regatta in the USA since the America’s Cup event of 1937 between the Defender Ranger, and the Challenger Endeavour II.”

“We hope to provide five days of spectacular racing and with the continued support of the State and the city of Newport we look forward to planning arrangements for a major regatta in Newport during 2014, featuring up to 10 yachts.”

Rolex Fastnet Race 2011: RORC confirms huge interest in iconic race

January 20, 2011

250 entries within a week brings race close to limit Record-breaking rush to ensure a place

Entry for one of the world’s most popular yacht races opened at midnight on Sunday 9 January and by midday Monday, nearly 100 entries had signed up, with an unprecedented number doing so in the early hours of the morning. The trend continued over the next couple of days when the halfway mark of 150 boats was reached for the race which has a maximum entry of 300 boats. Within a week, 250 boats had entered.

Rolex Fastnet Race 2009 - Photo Credit ROLEX Carlo Borlenghi

Rolex Fastnet Race 2009 - Photo Credit ROLEX Carlo Borlenghi

“We expected an initial rush of interest because people were registering the details about their boat on our REMUS on-line entry system over Christmas,” commented the RORC Racing Manager Ian Loffhagen. “However nothing had prepared us for this unprecedented amount of interest in the race. We are obviously delighted at how popular the race has become with entries from all over the world.”

Officially the first boat to enter was Fred Mundle’s X332 Mardy Gras, only 50 seconds after entry opened. Another notable early entry is Ondeck’s Farr 65 which will be chartered by the British Limbless Ex Service Men’s Association (BLESMA).

Of the high profile race boats entered, the two canting keel 100 footers, ICAP Leopard sailing yacht and Rambler 100 will be the ones battling to take line honours in the Race. Mike Slade’s ICAP Leopard and George David’s previous Rambler had a huge fight in the 2007 Rolex Fastnet Race, with Leopard taking the silverware. However, this year, George David has chartered the Juan K designed Speedboat, re-named Rambler 100, which will put Mike Slade under a lot of pressure.

“The Rolex Fastnet is an iconic race,” said Slade. “We would not miss it for the world and we are pleased to see our American friend George David coming back with a new boat. It will make for a terribly exciting race.”

Also entered is the 2009 Rolex Fastnet Race winner, Niklas Zennström’s J.V. 72, Rán, hoping to make it two in a row, but he will have strong competition from RORC Caribbean 600 Race winner, Hong Kong’s Karl Kwok in his Farr 80, Beau Geste; 2009 Rolex Middle Sea Race winner, Andre Soriano in his Mills 68 Alegre, as well as a group of very competitive 52’ grand prix racers.

Leading this 50 footer pack is the 2010 Rolex Middle Sea Race winner, the TP52 Lucky, owned by Breyon Ehrhart from the USA and four boats from Germany who are making a serious attempt to win the race this year: Uwe Leben’s RP57, Scho-Ka-Kola; the SKWB’s J.V.53 Bank von Bremen and Haspa Hamburg and Norddeutsche Vermögen, both from Hamburgischer Verein Seefahrt.

There are 15 Class 40’s entered so far and the next biggest classes are the Sigma 38 and First 40.7s, with 14 boats each and so far, 14 different countries will be represented in the 2011 Rolex Fastnet Race.

Trish Jenkins

Overall winner, sailing yacht Rán, at the Fastnet Rock. Photo Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

Overall winner, sailing yacht Rán, at the Fastnet Rock. Photo Rolex Carlo Borlenghi

J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race 2011: Open to entries

January 17, 2011

Cowes, Isle of Wight: The Island Sailing Club (ISC), organisers of the famous J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, has announced that entries for this year’s 80th Anniversary Race will open on Friday January 21st. The Race is taking place on Saturday 25th June with the first start at 0600.

The Island Sailing Club opens entries for the 80th Anniversary staging of Britain’s favourite yacht race.

•            2011 Race website goes live with race entries open and Notice of Race online January 21st
•            80th Anniversary Launch event in London in March
•            New Official Race Charity and Charity Challenge announcements
•            Race Tracking gets a makeover in 2011
•            Race Day: Saturday 25th June 2011

Dame Ellen MacArthur with ISC Commodore Rod Nicholls. Image credit Patrick Eden.

Dame Ellen MacArthur with ISC Commodore Rod Nicholls. Image credit Patrick Eden.

Dame Ellen MacArthur’s charity, the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust, has been selected as the Official Race Charity for the next two years.

Coinciding with entries opening for this iconic yacht race, the fourth largest participation sporting event in the UK that regularly attracts 1700+ boats and 16,000 sailors, the ISC will also publish the downloadable Notice of Race on its re-designed Anniversary Race website.

The Club Secretary, Lea Bennett, said: “We’re really excited to be celebrating this major milestone in the Race history. It gives us the perfect opportunity to pull out all the stops and make 2011 a truly memorable year for everyone involved. It would be great if the special memories from the past eight decades, that we’ll be promoting through the website and elsewhere, also help to encourage some new young blood to sign up to the Race. We have always enjoyed a fantastic mix of ages and abilities taking part and want to maintain that important all-embracing spirit of the Race going forward.”

You’ve been framed!

There is already much excitement and expectation building around the 80th Anniversary staging of the Round the Island Race. To celebrate this historic year, Title Sponsor J.P. Morgan Asset Management is creating an Exhibition entitled “Round the Island in 80 Years”.  This will comprise at least 30 images capturing some special moments from across the past eight decades of the Race. The Exhibition will be displayed in three separate locations, commencing on 1st March with a major media, sponsors and Club members’ launch event in London, before moving to a public display on the Isle of Wight at the Quay Arts Gallery (14-19 June 2010) and finally it will relocate to the Race Village in Cowes Yacht Haven (24-26 June) during the Race weekend for all the competitors and Race fans to enjoy.  All Exhibition images will be available for purchase, with profits being donated to the Official Race Charity.

The photography archivist Karren May is managing the research and production of the Exhibition. This has involved digging deep into the archives of many celebrated photographers including Beken of Cowes, Kirk of Cowes and Eileen Ramsay, looking back through 80 years of images, including glass plates, to source the very best images to portray the story of this spectacular event.  As well as featuring the images and stories of sporting, political and sailing legends that have competed in the Race, the Exhibition organisers will keep to the Race ethos ‘A Race for all’, by showcasing the memories and pictures of the everyday sailors who have taken part, or been involved in, the Race.

Race organisers are still keen to hear from anyone with a great story, memory or image and these can be emailed to: history@islandsc.org.uk or Tel: +44 (0)1983 247 286 for more information.

Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust is selected as the Race Charity for 2011 and 2012

The Island Sailing Club and J.P. Morgan Asset Management are also delighted to announce that their Race Charity for 2011 and 2012 is the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust (the Trust).  After a tender process involving a carefully chosen selection of high profile and some smaller charities, the Trust has been named as the official charity of the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race for the next two years. The Trust takes young people sailing to help them regain their confidence on their way to recovery from cancer and leukemia and focuses on rebuilding the young sailors’ confidence and most importantly, on having fun.

Trust Patron Dame Ellen MacArthur said: “The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust feels extremely privileged to become the official charity for the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race. We have seen first hand the positive effect sailing has on the young people and the official charity status will enable us to take 30 young people sailing in this year’s race. It’s fantastic to be able to offer this experience, the looks on their faces when they see over 1,500 boats on the start line is incredible. All at the Trust are looking forward to getting out on the start line on June 25th.”

All aboard the ‘Charity Challenge’

On another charitable note, a big ‘thank you’ to last year’s Race competitors who fundraised over £100,000. Since 2007, an incredible £350,000 has been raised and with everyone’s help, we hope to reach £500,000 in 2011. Once again the Island Sailing Club and J.P. Morgan Asset Management are encouraging competitors to make their race count for charity.  As extra incentive for fundraisers, any entry that raises £250 or more for its chosen charity, will be automatically entered into the ‘Charity Challenge’. This is a new initiative whereby the yacht with the fastest corrected time on handicap racing in both ISC and IRC will receive a further £1,000 to give to its chosen charity. To make it even easier for competitors to fundraise we have set up a special Round the Island Race Virgin Money giving page.

Getting cracking with the tracking

Following the success of last year’s live GPS tracking trial, organisers are introducing a range of enhancements for the 2011 Race. These include:

•   Support for more models of mobile phone, opening up the service to thousands more competitors.
•   The ability to register more than one mobile device per boat, providing more frequent position updates and better protection against battery and network outages.
•   An improved live race viewer, offering better performance and allowing spectators to watch the progress of specific classes and types of boat.
•   A simplified registration process, making it easier for more people to sign-up to the tracking service.

On race day, friends, family and sailing fans from around the globe will be able to watch the Race unfold, live. A race replay facility will also allow competitors to compare their performance with their rivals to see where they got it right – or wrong!

•             The Island Sailing Club is grateful for the continued support of the Race Title Sponsor, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, and the Race Partners: Britannia Events, Haven Knox-Johnston, Henri Lloyd, Nautica Watches, Old Pulteney Whisky, Raymarine, Red Funnel and Volvo Car UK
•             The 2011 Event will be J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s 7th year as title sponsor and they retain title sponsorship up to and including 2012
•             The 2011 Race is held on Saturday 25th June with the first start scheduled for 0600
•             The Round the Island Race was first established in 1931 – 2011 marks the 80th year of this great race
•             The Race starts and finishes in Cowes, Isle of Wight, the centre of British yachting
•             It is an all-encompassing event that caters for and embraces first timers, families, amateurs and professionals competing at the highest level. The event strapline is ‘Britain’s Favourite Yacht Race’
•             The J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race is the 4th largest participation sporting event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs, with around 16,000 sailors taking part over the course of one day
•             2010’s Race had 1,754 entries and 1,607 finished the Race. This is the highest ever recorded number of finishers in the history of the Race. There were 47 retirements and 16 disqualifications/OCS (On the Course Side of the starting line)
•             The Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust has been named as the Official Race Charity for 2011 and 2012.
•             £100,000 was raised for charities in 2010
•             Nautica Watches sponsors the Outstanding Seamanship Award. Contact: Dan Calvert, UK Marketing Manager. T +44 208 326 6900
•             The current monohull race record was set by Mike Slade (ICAP Leopard) in 2008 at 3.53.05
•             The multihull race record still stands at Francis Joyon’s 2001 time of 3.08.29

J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race 2011 & 2012: Henri Lloyd Official Clothing Partner

January 10, 2011

In a positive New Year business announcement at the start of the Tullet Prebon London International Boat Show, the Island Sailing Club (ISC), organisers of the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, have confirmed that one of the best known global brands in technical sailing clothing design and manufacture, Henri Lloyd, has signed up to be the Official Clothing Partner for the 2011 and 2012 Races.

J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race 2011 & 2012 Henri Lloyd Official Clothing Partner - Photo credit onEditionHenri Lloyd.

J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race 2011 & 2012 Henri Lloyd Official Clothing Partner - Photo credit onEditionHenri Lloyd.

Paul Strzelecki, Joint Chief Executive of Henri Lloyd with Lea Bennett, Secretary of the Island Sailing Club and the Henri Lloyd-sponsored, triple Olympic Gold & Silver medallist, Ben Ainslie CBE, at the announcement of the partnership.

In announcing the news, the ISC Secretary, Lea Bennett, said: “This is a really exciting piece of news for everyone involved in the Race, especially as we celebrate our 80th Anniversary year in 2011. Having a clothing partner join us as Race Partner is a first for us and we’re absolutely delighted to welcome Henri Lloyd to the fold.”

In response, Paul Strzelecki, joint Managing Director of Henri Lloyd, said: “I am delighted to announce our support of the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race by becoming their Official Clothing Partner. We are proud to have the Henri Lloyd brand associated with one of the largest and most popular yacht races in the world and look forward to working with the Island Sailing Club over the next two years to ensure the event goes from strength to strength.”

Swan European Regatta 2011 entries open

December 22, 2010

As we look forward to a week of high energy Solent racing in testing tidal conditions for the 15th edition of the Swan European Regatta Nautors Swan is delighted to publish the Notice of Race for the event.  The Swan European Regatta will hit the UK shores of Cowes, Isle of Wight from July 9 – 15, 2011.

Swan European Regatta 2011 entries open - Credit Nautor’s Swan

Swan European Regatta 2011 entries open - Credit Nautor’s Swan

European relations in the international  Nautor’s Swan family will be based out of West Cowes with their crews of all ages and experience, relishing a packed out regatta to incorporate close racing afloat and friendly nights ashore.

The Royal Yacht Squadron will again be hosting the fleet’s racing providing an elite polish to the race planning and logistics synonymous with this world class event.

The Swan European Regatta supports an intimate set of entries where owners are focused on getting the most out of their south coast UK racing.  Over 30 prizes are due to be handed out for daily as well as overall placing which will be presented at a number of different evening prize giving events.  Top of every Swan owner and race crew’s list will be claiming a Nautor’s Swan trophy as their own.

Some of the trophies that will be gleaming on the awards presentation tables for 2011 include ‘the Source Trophy’ where 2 boats team up for cross the fleet points, ‘the Highland Fling Trophy’ for the highest placed owner driver and the overall winners of the regatta will covet ‘the Swan European Regatta Trophy’. 

The silver ware is not exclusively reserved for those at the top of the results board, Nautor’s Swan will also be seeking out the Smartest Crew, Youngest Crew, Farthest Travelled Boat and Most Distinguished Swan, providing a wealth of opportunities to all levels of talent.

The Owner’s Dinner will take place in the elegant atmosphere of the Royal Yacht Squadron where the individuals can relax and take in the Solent sunset.  Crews will also be offered their night to enjoy the many old and new friendships that develop from so many years of Swan racing at the Crew Party.

2011 Panerai British Classic Week in Cowes

December 14, 2010

The British Classic Yacht Club, in conjunction with their event sponsor Panerai, are pleased to announce the dates for the tenth edition of the Club’s annual Cowes regatta for classic yachts of all sizes.

The 2010 British Panerai Regatta - © Lloyd Images

The 2010 British Panerai Regatta - © Lloyd Images

Renamed for 2011 as ‘Panerai British Classic Week’ next year’s regatta in Cowes will run from Sunday 17th July to Saturday 23rd July. As in previous years, competing yachts will be berthed at Cowes Yacht Haven.

For the second year the regatta will form a part of the 2011 Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge Series, which also includes some of the world’s leading classic yacht regattas, such as the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and the Régates Royales in Cannes.

The Panerai British Classic Week organisers once again promise a full programme of racing and social functions for competing skippers and their crews. The 2011 racing schedule will comprise a number of long and short course day races around the environs of the Solent, but in a break from the traditional format, the regatta will begin on Sunday 17th July with a standalone race clockwise around the Isle of Wight. In another departure from previous years, this race, to be known as the ‘Panerai Classic Round the Island Race’, will also be thrown open to entries from classic yachts not competing in the main regatta.

The 2011 edition of the regatta sees the welcome return of the Rally Division. This element was successfully introduced at last year’s event to offer those owners and crews, not inclined towards racing, the chance to be a part of the regatta and to spend a congenial week with like minded classic yacht enthusiasts.

As ever, next year’s regatta programme will also include the unique and popular ‘Je Ne Sais Quoi’ competition, which over the course of the regatta gives owners and crews a chance to meet fellow competitors aboard their classic yachts and ultimately vote for the individual entry which they believe truly has ‘that very special something.’

As in previous years, all competing yachts are cordially invited to take part in a spectacular regatta finale on Saturday 23rd July, in the form of a Parade of Sail in front of the Royal Yacht Squadron and Cowes Green.

Entries for the tenth edition of the Panerai British Classic Week will open in April 2011 and more details on the event, including the official Notice of Race, will be posted on the BCYC website www.britishclassicyachtclub.org/regatta in due course.

ABOUT THE BRITISH CLASSIC YACHT CLUB:
The British Classic Yacht Club was formed in 2001 to provide a congenial environment for owners and other classic yacht enthusiasts to share experiences and enjoy each other’s company. Affiliated to the RYA, the BCYC strives to represent the interests of classic yacht owners and has developed good relationships with many leading yacht clubs in the UK and abroad. The officers of the BCYC are actively involved in both national and international discussions about the future development of classic yachting.

The membership of the BCYC now consists of more than eighty boats. In addition to the Club’s flagship annual regatta held in Cowes each July, the Club also organises a full programme of other racing, cruising and social activities in the Solent and on the East Coast, including the popular East Coast Classic Regatta in early June. BCYC yachts also participate in many important sailing events, including classic regattas in the Channel, Mediterranean and West Indies.

ABOUT OFFICINE PANERAI:
Founded in Florence in 1860, Officine Panerai was for many years the official supplier of precision instruments for the Italian Navy. Purchased by the Richemont Group in 1997 and subsequently launched on the international market, Officine Panerai is now Italy’s only fine watch making company. Developing and producing its own movements and watches, Officine Panerai uniquely blends Italian history and design with renowned Swiss craftsmanship. Panerai watches are sold exclusively through an international network of authorized retailers and in Panerai boutiques around the world.

ABOUT THE PANERAI CLASSIC YACHTS CHALLENGE:
Sponsored by Panerai since 2005, this high profile series features some of the world’s leading classic yacht regattas, including the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta and the Régates Royales, Cannes. Running from April until September, nine regattas will form the Panerai circuit in 2011, with races in the USA, Caribbean and Europe.

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