This in from Cowes Week organisers, in their own words. Ed
Cowes Week Limited (CWL) and Sportsboat World have announced an exciting new Grand Slam event for the SB20 class that will form an integral part of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2013.
As part of an ongoing commitment by the world’s best-known sailing regatta to deliver a race programme that attracts a diverse range of fleets, CWL and Sportsboat World (the company behind the marketing and distribution of the SB20) have been exploring options for holding a Grand Slam event as a part of the Cowes Week regatta.
“Regatta within the regatta”
The result is a new “regatta within the regatta” for the SB20 class that, in a break with tradition, will see boats competing in two races a day over the first four days of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2013. The SB20 Grand Slam at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week will be the final event in the inaugural SB20 Grand Slam circuit in 2013.
“Delighted to be working with Sportsboat World”
Commenting on the announcement, CWL’s Stuart Quarrie said: “We always work really hard to make sure that Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week delivers an attractive programme of racing and we work closely with all classes to achieve this. For 2013, we’re delighted to be working with Sportsboat World to enhance the competition for the SB20 class by providing an SB20 Grand Slam event on the first four days of the regatta as well as traditional Cowes Week racing for the rest of the Week.”
Alan Hillman of Sportsboat World added: “The SB20 Class is seeing strong growth across Europe and for 2013 we wanted to introduce three ‘SB20 Grand Slam’ events within Europe, with one of these events taking place in the UK. We were keen for the UK event to be held during Cowes Week given that the event offers great racing with the added attraction of a vibrant social scene. We’re delighted to be working with CWL to introduce this exciting new initiative for Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2013”.
Entries are open
Entries are already open for the 2013 regatta, and SB20 owners have the option to race for the duration of the event (Saturday 3rd – Saturday 10th August), just for the SB20 Grand Slam event (Saturday 3rd – Tuesday 6th August), or even for individual days.
A special SB20 Grand Slam entry fee has been introduced and special mooring arrangements are also being made by the class. Entries received before the end of 2012 will be eligible for the end of year prize draw to win a rebate of the entry fee and a contribution of up to £1,000 towards berthing fees (courtesy of the four main mooring providers of East Cowes Marina, Shepards Wharf Marina, Cowes Harbour Moorings and Cowes Yacht Haven), as well as other prizes.
