One place in the UK that's renowned for its sailing is the Isle of Wight. Home to some of the country's best sailors, the waters of the Solent around this small island can be challenging to say the least. Historically the Isle of Wight has hosted some of the planet's most prestigious sailing events, namely the JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race to name just one. However, it is Cowes Week which see the island buzzing both on and off the water.
Last week saw the exciting Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week take place for another year, proving yet again to be a massive success in the sailing calendar. The tradition began way back in 1826 and it still attracts and excites sailors and spectators from around the world today. Cowes Week is indeed the largest sailing regatta of its kind on the planet. This year, the event attracted over 8,500 competitors with 100,000 or more spectators descending on the island to watch some of the best sailing in UK waters. This long standing sailing event is known the world over as a unique experience that's second to none.
This year saw tremendous support with a superb atmosphere paired to an exciting mix when it came to competitive sailing. Spectators were privileged to be part of some brilliant parties with live entertainment on offer throughout the week. All culminating with the traditional and spectacular firework display as a finale to what was a truly exciting week. The only hiccup being the forced “lay-day” on Tuesday 6th due to the weather, but the rest of the week saw some of the best sailing ever, thrilling competitors and spectators alike. The buzz was stupendous both on and off the water.
When it comes to “stand-out” performances, it would be hard to out sail the Lady Penelope in the Squib class – she won her class in style and managed to take the Overall White Group Trophy as well as the Aberdeen Asset Management Overall Winner Trophy – three sailing accolades not to be sneezed at. Another great performance was achieved by local sailor Adam Gosling in the IRC Class 4 which gained him a class win together with the title across the Black Group fleet. The Young Skipper Trophy was claimed by Alistair Barter, he was also runner up to Paralympic gold medallist Andy Cassell in the overall results.
The largest class at the regatta saw a fleet of 80 boats taking part in the XOD – John Tremlett and his talented crew won overall victory for the first time. However, the Big Boat Series was the class to suffer the one day loss – namely the Tuesday lay-day, but with this said, the other two days saw thrilling sailing as Niklas Zennström’s Rán took top place in the Series just beating the US boat Bella Mente. However, the US newcomer was awarded the newest piece of silverware to be offered at the regatta, namely the Newcomer Trophy.
The week proved to be a massive success with a huge following on Ladies Day when Paralympic gold medallist, Helena Lucas was presented with the Ladies Day Trophy. Friday saw an awe-inspiring display by the Red Arrow together with a fly past by a truly marvellous selection of vintage planes including a de Havilland – all the festivities being topped off with the traditional and brilliant fireworks display – a fitting finale to another fantastic week of sailing on the Isle of Wight.