This in from organisers of Cowes Week, in their own words. Ed
Cowes Week Limited is delighted to announce that Ladies Day at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2011 will take place on Tuesday 9 August and will be held in association with UK charity, the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF).
For the last five years, Ladies Day at Cowes Week has provided a fitting celebration of the outstanding successes of women in sailing. This year’s partnership with the WSFF will continue that tradition but also recognise the wider achievements of the country’s sportswomen.
Great to be associated with event, say WSFF
Sue Tibballs, Chief Executive, of WSFF, commented “It’s great to be associated with this historic event and in particular Ladies Day, which recognises the significant achievements of women in sailing, both at a grassroots and elite level. It’s vital that if we’re to inspire future generations of female sailors, we need to celebrate the role models of today and what better way to do it, than with leading names from women’s sport.”
The main focus of the Ladies Day celebrations will be an evening reception at which the Ladies Day Trophy will be awarded. This trophy recognises an outstanding contribution, commitment or achievement of a woman in sailing, and last year’s winner, Louise Morton, received the Ladies Day Trophy in addition to her overall victory in the Quarter Tonner class.
“Hope Ladies Day encourages more women in open classes”
Commenting on winning the Ladies Day Trophy, Louise said: “I was proud to win the Ladies Day Trophy at Cowes Week last year, especially since I mostly sail with an all girl crew. Hopefully Ladies Day will encourage even more women to sail in the open classes. I hope we have proved over the last couple of years that we can compete on equal terms with the men.”
Nominations for the Ladies Day Trophy are open until Friday 5 August, and a judging panel comprising of double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson OBE, Yachting World’s Elaine Bunting, Sue Tibballs – Chief Executive of the Women’s Sport & Fitness Foundation, and CWL’s Michelle Warner will decide the 2011 winner.
Panellist, Shirley Robertson, said: “Each year it’s always a tough call deciding on who is going to be awarded the Ladies Day Trophy; there are so many women doing great things for the sport in their own unique way. I’m sure this year will prove as challenging as ever!”
Nominations can be made via AAM Cowes Week Website. The nomination process will close at midnight on Friday 5 August.
A range of activities for women
Ladies Day will also feature a range of celebratory activities for women, including on the spot prizes on the water, a special discount with the event’s clothing partner, Gill, and free entry to Club Infernos at Shepards Wharf Marina.
The Ladies Day page of the event website will have full details as plans are finalised in the build-up to the event.
