News - 2012

16:00 Tuesday 22 May 2012 From the Olympic Games to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week for Great Britain's sailors

Photo: Getty Images

The 2012 edition of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, received a boost for the event’s ‘Best of British’ theme today (Tuesday 22 May 2012) with the announcement that Skandia Team GBR’s top sailors will be present at the world famous regatta, just one week after competing for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

This year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week immediately follows the London 2012 Olympic Games and will provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate what has historically been one of Great Britain’s most successful Olympic sports.

Skandia Team GBR’s sailors are due to attend the regatta on Friday 17thAugust. Organisers are working with the RYA, Aberdeen Asset Management and Volvo, Skandia Team GBR sponsor and Official Car Supplier to the event, to create a programme for the sailors that enables competitors and spectators at the event to celebrate their efforts in this summer’s Games.

Saskia Clark and Hannah Mills, who represent Great Britainin the 470 class, and Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell also competing in the 470 class were at the Royal Yacht Squadron,Cowes today to make the announcement alongside double Olympic Gold Medallist Shirley Robertson and organisers of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.

25 year-old Luke Patience said: “Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is great fun and competitive. It is that nice balance between a fantastic social scene and extremely tough racing on possibly the most famous stretch of water in the world! I am really looking forward to being there in August, especially straight after the Olympics where I hope we will have something to celebrate with the sailing public.

“What I love about Cowes Week is that it can host any ages, just pick the right class. It is always hectic and there is always some kind of story to take home with you.”

There will be a red, white and blue theme around Cowes during the regatta week, (11-18 August) and a chance to watch the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games live on the big screens throughout Cowes on Sunday 12 August which will coincide with special Family Day activities.

The official event charity, Toe in the Water, will be also hosting a ‘Best of British’ crew party on Friday 17 August and the organisers of the event are waiving the entry fee for the first ten entries received from past British sailing Olympians.

Stuart Quarrie, CEO of Cowes Week Limited said: “Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week regularly attracts world class professional sailors and weekend enthusiasts, all competing on a level playing field. Together with the vibrant atmosphere off the water, this is what makes the regatta so special. We are thrilled that some of the sailors competing for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games will be here with us to enjoy this year’s event.”

Commenting on the announcement, Martin Gilbert, CEO of Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “As Title Sponsor of one of the world’s most famous regattas we are delighted that our top British sailors will be coming to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week this year. We wish them all the best for London 2012 and we are looking forward to celebrating their efforts at the Olympic Games when they arrive at the regatta. Not only is this great for the sailing community but the thousands of visitors which Cowes attracts every year.”