Venues in both East Cowes and Cowes will be hosting events to celebrate the life and work of Uffa Fox, a true Islander who is well known for sailing with the late Prince Philip but best remembered by the legacy of his boat designs from the 18th to 21st August
Races in craft designed by Uffa over the years will be the highlight of the event with a sailing regatta organised by the Royal London YC. However, this celebration is not just for the keen sailors who are lucky enough to own or have use of one of the many boats that Uffa designed, as events for everyone are planned across the two towns, so much connected with Uffa’s life.
As well as the boats taking part in the racing they will be, when not racing, displayed on Cowes Parade for everyone to inspect. A total of twelve organisations in Cowes and East Cowes have come together to plan UF50, this celebration of Uffa’s life and legacy. This event marks the 50th anniversary of his death. Uffa Fox – (1889-1972)
Around 50 dinghies designed by Uffa will be out racing for a couple of hours for the sailing regatta on the Friday and Saturday, but there will be plenty to see elsewhere in the towns. Uffa’s designs include dinghies, keelboats and yachts and over 100 boat owners have expressed interest in the event including those owning the following designs: Firefly, National 12, International 14, Redwing, Albacore, National 18, Jollyboat, Flying Fifteen, Fox 18 and 24 and Atalanta.
On the Parade, visitors will be able to get information on the Uffa Fox trail around Cowes and East Cowes, where examples of Uffa’s history and heritage can be seen at a number of locations. This trail begins at Uffa’s one- time place of residence: The Commodores House in Cowes High Street. Here, an exclusive exhibition of his life is on show and families and children will be able to enjoy fun interactive activities. The Trail journey continues with stops at the Sir Max Aitken Museum, Cowes Heritage and Community Beckford Centre, Cowes Library, Classic Boat Museum Shed, and Shepards Marina, where some Uffa-designed yachts and keelboats will be berthed. Crossing the River, Floating Bridge permitting, other displays will be at East Cowes Heritage Exhibition and the Classic Boat Museum Gallery, East Cowes.
Pick up a leaflet for full details of venues and opening times.
He lived at Niton great guy he made a recording of sea shanty’s must be a collectors item now
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