Suzanne and Alan share this latest sailing news. Ed
Cowes Yacht Haven has won a prestigious award in a national competition organised by the Chelsea Magazines Group.
Taking place at Southampton Boat Show, the 2016 Sailing Today Awards were presented to a number of worthy winners across several sailing related categories. This event was hosted by Chelsea Magazines, with Editor Sam Fortescue acting as compere. He commented that for once he had missed AAM Cowes Week in favour of cruising in Brittany aboard his Sadler 34 yacht.
Success for Yacht Haven
There was success for Cowes Yacht Haven in the UK Marina/Harbour category. Jon Pridham said they had been thrilled to be nominated and commented that the season of regattas is still running.
Jon has been at CYH for six years having previously been based in Gunwharf Quays. Away from the water he is a keen cyclist.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sailing Today Awards was author and sailor Rod Heikell whose pilot books are based on destinations in the Mediterranean and Wight Vodka sponsored the Cruiser Sailor category which was won by Bill and Judy Rouse from Texas.
To start the Southampton Boat Show off in style Solent Park’s Festival Stage was the venue for the official opening of this, the 48th, Show.
Rio medallists
Rick and Zoe, hosts of the Heart FM Breakfast Show welcomed members of the Team GB Sailing Squad. Amongst them were four Rio medallists.
Nick Dempsey took silver in the RS:X Windsurfing- his third medal in five games- to become the most decorated windsurfer.
Following Sir Ben Ainslie’s dominance in the Finn Class, Giles Scott struck gold on his debut.
Saskia Clark and Hannah Mills, who won silver in the Women’s 470 in London, went one better in Rio but Saskia has now announced her retirement.
It was a honour to see the gold medals up close and to confirm that, as reported on TV, they really are quite heavy. Unlike some years when winners’ names were engraved on the back of the medal, for Rio the names were engraved around the edge.
TV star
Performing the official opening of the show was Michelle Keegan. Having departed Coronation Street actress Michelle will be seen in the upcoming ITV drama ‘Tina and Bobby’. It is based around England’s World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore and his relationship with his wife Tina.
During the show’s opening ceremony Michelle spoke of her love of being on the water and said she was looking forward to exploring some of the boats on display.
East Cowes Marina
East Cowes Marina is featured on the Dean & Reddyhoff stand at the show. Dean & Reddyhoff Marinas have four bases on the South Coast including, Portland, Weymouth and Haslar, Portsmouth and over 20 years experience in marina operating. Their East Cowes, Marina is positioned on the River Medina.
Southampton Boat Show continues until Sunday 25th September. Thursday will see Ladies Day and the launch of the 50th edition of the Antigua Race Week in which yachts from across the World compete. To enable yachts from other parts of the World to take part in the waters around Antigua, Peters and May based in Hampshie will act as shippers.
Image: © Suzanne Whitewood
