Skandia Cowes Week, Isle of Wight
Take the Dame Ellen MacArthur challenge, or challenge the waves.
Aug 5, 2007
Skandia Cowes Week, the world’s oldest regatta, got off to a great start on Saturday with glorious weather and just the right conditions for exciting sailing. After a series of dramatic starts made all the more challenging by low water and strong tides, the fleet of 941 boats made the most of the breezy and sunny conditions in the Solent.
This year, the organizing authority, Cowes Combined Clubs (CCC) together with the sponsors, will deliver one of the best ever weeks in the 181-year history of this great event. Already the town is bursting at the seams with the 8,500 competitors and visitors numbers are expected to top 10,000 per day.
This year also marks Skandia’s 13th year as title sponsor and their long-term investment - both financially and in terms of the time they put in working with the Event’s organising committee at CCC - has helped to make Skandia Cowes Week a world-renowned success, both on and off the water. Their commitment to sailing as a sport in general, has added glamour, offshore sailing heroes and Olympic stars to the mix of competition, fun and excitement.
You don’t have to be a sailor, or even a crew member to enjoy the atmosphere at this world famous Regatta. Crowds line the seashore to cheer on the competitors, and the Yacht Haven where the sponsored tents supplying drinks and eats was packed with happy holiday makers from noon on the opening day.
Cowes Parade which is near the main yacht clubs and the start of the races was the favourite spot for watching the action. The ice-cream vendors did a roaring trade in temperatures that threatened to creep up to 30 degrees, the Pimm’s tent was temptation itself with jugs of England’s favourite summertime drink being sold as fast as they could be made and Cockburn’s Port produced a wonderfully refreshing cocktail for the occasion which they liberally shared with anyone who approached their stand. For the record it was composed of Cockburn’s White Port, tonic water, lemon juice and lots of ice. Delicious!
Among the many marquees lining the Parade was The Ellen MacArthur Trust stand where Dame Ellen MacArthur held court on the “Star in a Reasonably Priced Dinghy” sailing simulator, as part of the fundraising effort for the Ellen MacArthur Trust.
Following her success in setting a new round-the-world speed record in 2005, and her remarkable achievement in setting the fastest lap time for any celebrity in Top Gear’s “Star in a Reasonably Prized Car” slot, it came as no surprise to learn that Ellen had set a new record in the simulator. This clever gizmo allows participants to set a time over a short course, simulating how a Laser might sail under those conditions. Dame Ellen's record time stands at 02:06:06 and there will be lots of competitors trying to beat that over the next few days. The prize of tickets for the London and Southampton Boat Show fades into insignificance beside the cachet of beating the great Dame Ellen’s MacArthur's record!
Dame Ellen herself says “It really is as close as you can get to actually being out on the water. The tiller is really responsive and it is a great way to get a feel for sailing."
The Event continues until Saturday August 11th, with something for everyone every day. The Yacht Haven get busier as the week progresses and more and more people are attracted to the venue which provides eating, drinking, music, and street theatre.
It’s the worlds greatest Regatta and the top names are here. If it’s celeb. Spotting your after, then come along and join in the fun. If you follow the European royals, there will be some here hidden behind dark glasses and enormous hats. But if it’s plain fun you want, then Cowes can offer that too.
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