Cowes Week, the oldest and largest sailing regatta of its kind, has teamed up with Solent Productions - a Southampton Solent University Enterprise Centre - to provide an exciting opportunity for students to gain valuable hands-on experience of filming at one of the most high profile events in the yachting calendar.
The innovative initiative - supported by local ferries company Red Funnel - will provide 16 media students the chance to work as professional suppliers of sports programming alongside industry experts and Solent graduates. Solent Productions, the university's dedicated media production centre, will provide the students with its high spec equipment to film the week's action - providing instant and comprehensive footage for TV networks across the globe, as well as for the event's official website and broadcast channel (Event TV) which is played on screens across Cowes during the regatta.
Stuart Quarrie, CEO of Cowes Week Limited, commented, ‘With the support of Red Funnel, we are delighted to have formed this partnership with Solent Productions. It is a great opportunity to develop close ties with the local university and provide opportunities for students to have some valuable hands-on experience'
Stephen Brown, Head of Centre, Solent Productions, added: "We are delighted to get behind Cowes Week - the oldest and largest sailing regatta of its kind. Solent University has a real affinity with yachting, and we are proud that we will be using our best talent and cutting edge equipment to showcase this fantastic event for people to enjoy. As well as the value we can add to this spectacular event, Cowes Week will give some of our students an unparalleled sports broadcasting opportunity.'
Daily VNRs will be available for broadcasters to download from the Cowes Week website.