Thanks to Suzanne and Alan Whitewood for this sailing update. In their own words. Ed
With Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week approaching, a number of changes have been announced.
Counting fireworks
A Firework Committee has been set up to deal exclusively with the annual pyrotechnic display. Funding was described as healthy and it was planned to have a balance in hand sufficient to fund the subsequent year’s firework display.
This year’s display will be arranged by Pains and will feature the return of the ‘counting fireworks’.
Photography competition
Shirley Robertson OBE a Cowes resident for some 13 years is an ambassador for Aberdeen AAM, which has its 30th anniversary this year. It is their third year as title sponsor and they are committed to at least two more years.
Shirley announced a new photography competition which invites scenes of afloat and ashore, with a prize of learning photographic secrets from a top photographer.
Stuart Quarrie steps down as CEO
A change in the management structure will see Stuart Quarrie step down as CEO after fifteen years in the role.
Stuart told us that his new position as Sailing Director was a more concentrated role, but would allow him to spend more time with his wife undertaking cruiser sailing. He was keen to go racing in the Med. ‘…before I am too old’ he said. ‘My wife and I like to sail to Southern Brittany and with more time we will be able to go further rather than head for home because of time restrictions’ he added.
Changes to regatta racing
With the SB20 Sports Boats under new management a European Grand Slam event has been formulated.
There will be two races a day on the first four days of the regatta, which will comprise the UK round. Another new sports boat class (J70) will also race twice during the first four days of competition.
New class added to programme
Because Cowes Week Limited wish to encourage more entries from cruiser yachts a new class – J111 – has been added to the programme.
For the Viper yachts Cowes will be a qualifying event for the Pan American Sports Boat Championship for the Bacardi Cup to be held in Miami.
Brambles Start Line
Historically the Black Group entries have started off the North end of the RYS line. In a move to ease congestion in the Solent the start line has been moved 400 metres East. It will be known as the Brambles Start Line.
Accordingly, there will be three start lines and finishing lines for the duration of Aberdeen AAM Cowes Week.
Big Boat series
Every odd numbered year when the Rolex Fastnet Race is held a Big Boat series is run. This year seven entries have already been received ready to race at Cowes Week followed by the race to Plymouth via the Fastnet Rock.
This year the Solent Sunbeams are celebrating their 90th anniversary. This class will also be competing in this year’s Cowes Classic Week to be held a fortnight before AAM Cowes Week.
Regular entrants who introduce new participants will be entitled to a discount on their own entry fee.
Lots to do on Family Day
Family Day (Sunday 4 August) will once again offer a range of activities for all the family. Spot prizes will be awarded to families racing together as well as free and discounted activities for those ashore.
Shore side activities include flag-making and painting competitions and special Family Day discounts on the spectator boat trips and RIB rides.
A return of Ladies Day
Thursday 8 August celebrates Ladies Day and recognises the major successes of women in one of the few mainstream sports where men and women compete on equal terms. In partnership with the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF), a number of female achievers across a range of sports will come together at the regatta on Ladies Day.
Nominations are now being accepted on the AAM Cowes Week website for the Ladies Day Trophy which recognises outstanding contribution, commitment, or achievement of women in sailing.
There are many female sailors on the Island who may deserve this trophy so check out the Website for details.
Image: Daniel Hall under CC BY 2.0
