News - 2012

16:00 Tuesday 8 May 2012 Sue PellingBag a ride at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week

With entries to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012 starting to flood in, now is the time to consider making sailing plans for the event. Even if you are a total novice to racing, fear not because there are still opportunities available for you to take part in some spectacular international sailing at the event.

While most racing teams will have already organised their core crew for the August event, there’ll be hundreds of other teams on boats seeking extra crew.

Those with good racing experience will naturally be more in demand but remember, some teams will be looking for extra ‘weight on the rails’ particularly if there is a strong wind forecast. Although in this position you probably won’t be given any key roles on the boat (other than leaping from one side of the boat to the other during manoeuvres), it is an excellent way to gain some racing experience. You will need to be fairly flexible, able to move swiftly around the boat, and not be afraid of being told where and where not to sit.

Although there are plenty of opportunities for all levels of experience, finding the ‘right’ boat/ team is the most difficult part. However, one of the most effective ways of bagging a ride at the regatta is to sign on to the Crew Search Forum. Enter all your details with an accurate summary of your sailing and racing experience and the sort of team you are hoping to join, and you should receive a response. It is also worth keeping an eye on the Crew Wanted section to see if there is anything that suits you there too.

Those with very little sailing experience may prefer to take the sailing school/charter company route, which guarantees a position on the boat and is a good way of gaining plenty of tuition. There is a wide selection of companies to choose from but given the popularity of the event, it really is worth investigating availability as soon as possible. Here is a selection of companies with whom the event works closely and that regularly compete at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week: 

• OnDeck – individuals can book onto one of the popular “Rock up and Race” packages which get you out into the heart of the action with experienced crew.
• Sunsail – race on one of the Sunsail F40s within their dedicated fleet under the guiding hand of an experienced skipper.
• Cowes Sailing School – racing on a Sigma 38, the boat is run by two RYA Yachtmaster Instructors with a wealth of experience in sailing and racing, combined with a love of instruction.

If you are reasonably new to sailing and fortunate enough to secure a place as a first timer on a yacht at this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, the press team at the Media Centre would be interested to hear about your experience – contact Ben Cummings.