By Alan & Suzanne Whitewood.
157 years after the inaugural Great Britain v U.S.A. yacht race challenge around the Island which later evolved into the America’s Cup, the Island will at last witness an America’s Cup style race series in 2008. The event will be a junior edition of what until 1983 was the world’s most one-sided sporting series.
Royal Thames Yacht Club has set up the project which will be contested by youth teams from either side of the Atlantic. U.K.S.A. in Cowes will manage the challenge series, with the Island welcoming the teams and supporters.
Two evenly matched boats have been chosen for the races. Peter Harrison is making “Chernikeef 2” available and the late Kit Hobday’s “Bear of Britain”, now owned by Priory Bay Hotel, will be the second boat. Racing is scheduled to take place off Bembridge.
Commenting on the challenge, Island High Sheriff Peter Grimaldi said young people needed commitment. Dennis Connor, four times winner of the America’s Cup took this notion one step further, referring to “being committed to the commitment”. On the Island, through the High Sheriff’s Trust several groups of potential or actual offending children have undertaken courses at the Island Youth Water Activity Centre, Cowes. It is hoped that perhaps some of these disadvantaged children may discover something about themselves and progress to better things. Indeed, teams of young people will be selected for the sailing challenge from all walks of life, providing they are competent sailors.