Regatta Season

SUMMER REGATTA SEASON- SUZANNE WHITEWOOD

Even though it has been warm and sunny since April it is not until June when thoughts turn to the sea and sailing. As the Old Gaffers sail into Yarmouth for their usual excellent long- weekend we can look forward to other Island based regattas.
Most weekends from now until mid October regattas are going to be based in Cowes Yacht Haven. One of the most well known the Round the Island Race, this year once again sponsored by JP Morgan Asset Management, takes place on 23rd June. However boats will be arriving from the 21st and some plan to stay until the 24th so there will be plenty to see in and around the Haven.
At the beginning of July the Nautor Swans arrive. This year both the Swan 45 World Championship and Swan European Championship take place off Cowes. There is always some fierce competition during these championships and a number of local sailors usually take part.
Cowes will welcome between the 14th & 21st July the British Classic Yacht Club Regatta. It is always a pleasure to see these yachts of yesteryear with each one usually having a story to tell.
There is probably no need to remind Beacon readers that Skandia Cowes Week starts on the 4th of August.
Official Port of Skandia Cowes Week 2007
COCKBURN�S� Port, the UK�s no.1 port brand, has been signed as the Official Port of Skandia Cowes Week 2007 by Cowes Week Sponsorship Limited, the commercial arm of the World�s oldest and largest sailing regatta.
Cockburn�s Port is sponsoring the yacht Red, the TP52 owned and skippered by the Carphone Warehouse CEO, Charles Dunstone that will be racing at key events, including Skandia Cowes Week, throughout this Summer.
COCKBURN�S Port will be showcasing its full range at the Cockburn�s Port-Hole in Cowes Yacht Haven throughout Skandia Cowes Week.
Champagne G.H Mumm signs up as sponsor of Ladies Day @ Skandia Cowes Week
Champagne G.H. Mumm is the proud sponsor of this year�s Ladies Day @ Skandia Cowes Week which is earmarked for Thursday, 9th August. As one of the regatta�s long-standing supporting sponsors, and with its own commitment to celebrating remarkable feats of endurance and human achievement, this is a perfect fit and there�s a host of fun and celebratory activities planned.
Ladies Day @ Skandia Cowes Week recognises and celebrates the contribution and achievements of women in sailing. The Event organisers, Cowes Combined Clubs (CCC), are keen that it should encompass all female sailors, ranging from Corinthians and those overcoming physical and/or mental difficulties in order to sail, to those who have undertaken remarkable challenges and achieved extraordinary results. It is a fact that more women than ever now compete at the Event and at least a third of the 8,500 competitors are female.
Who could win the Trophy in 2007?
It is about nominations, not votes! Visit www.skandiacowesweek.co.uk for more details.

After the fireworks have died down and victuals have been stowed it will be time for the Fastnet Race on Sunday 12th of August. Once again sponsored by Rolex this is not the race for the faint hearted and as the boats sail from Cowes, in their various classes, there is eager competition until the race finish at Plymouth.
Powerboats take over from sail for the August Bank Holiday weekend when the P1 Powerboat Championship is raced off Cowes. This year�s event sees more boats than ever taking part with rounds held in Malta, Italy, Germany, Portugal and Belgium.
To round off this report mention is made of The Little Britain Challenge Cup 6th-9th September. This charity event is very popular and usually sees a variety of boats in the Haven and some very keen competition.
See Summer editions of �The IW Beacon� and �The IW Beacon� Web-site for more details of events.