Despite this year’s absence of the Red Arrows and the annual firework display, the team behind Cowes week says they’re excited to see many regular competitors returning and to welcome newcomers to the event.
Today (Saturday 31st July) sees the start of the 195th edition of Cowes Week, the world’s longest running sailing regatta and, after a year away due to Covid, this year sees a number of changes as the CWL teamwork to ensure that 2021 is the best yet!
One of the biggest changes this year is there will be more starts and finishes from the Royal Yacht Squadron line, making for more exciting racing for competitors and spectators alike.
A completely new class to Cowes Week this year is the Club Cruiser Division who will have their own start. There will be a further three starts in the Performance Cruiser Division. A new trophy for the Club Cruiser Division is being sponsored by The Cruising Association.
A great addition for competitors this year is the MUSTO Morning Briefings at 09:30 each day with Regatta Director Laurence Mead and Meteorologist Fiona Campbell supported by members of the British Sailing Team and well-known sailors giving their insight into tactical plans for the day. The briefings will be broadcast live and then be available to view via the website and the App.
New for this year are the daily prize givings which will take place on the Parade each day at 17:00. The prizes presented will be for the previous day’s racing.
The new Cowes Week App is available to all, with competitors getting their own personal guide to the regatta, both ashore and afloat, including course data for the whole crew. A version of the App is also available to visitors to Cowes and to remote spectators bringing them closer to the action and keeping them up to date with all that is happenng at the Regatta.
The Cowes Week App is also the place to go to watch all of the starts live, as they happen, from the Royal Yacht Squadron. Cowes Live is one of the most comprehensive presentations of sailing from any regatta in the world.
The biggest fleet of Sonar 1 designs for more than a decade will gather at Cowes Week 2021 for the UK Sonar National Championship which is being run as part of the Regatta.
Cuvée 450 Solent Team Trophy – Entries are still being accepted from club teams for this trophy which must be made up of at least one boat from White Group and one from Black Group. The winning team receives a Magnum of Cuvée 450 for each skipper. The Royal Yacht Squadron have entered a very strong team, made up of Adam Gosling’s Yes! alongisde David Franks Leon and Jonathan Calacione’s Calypso.
2021 sees the first-ever Opening Party for competitors sponsored by Cuvée 450. Being held at Cowes Yacht Haven on Saturday 31st July, competitors will be able to enjoy free bubbly whilst catching up with old and new friends after the first day’s racing.
The Overall Prize Giving takes place on Friday 6th August at Cowes Yacht Haven with magnums of Cuvée 450 for all class winners (and a few magnums for other ‘special moments’ we catch on camera!)
There is plenty to see and do at the various venues around town throughout the week with entertainment and bars on The Parade, Cowes Yacht Haven, Shepards Marina, and Northwood House.
Further information on the entertainment schedule can be found on the website.
