News - 2012

11:15 Saturday 11 Aug 2012 Sue Pelling/CWLSpectacular conditions for Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week opening day

The opening day of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week looks set to be glorious with sun and a south-south-easterly breeze gusting up to 19 knots.

Competitors are bracing themselves for lively sailing as racing gets underway on The Solent today. The sun and stiff breeze is also welcoming for the thousands of spectators who are lining the shores along The Green to watch the startline action from the Royal Yacht Squadron.



The plan today is for White Group to race in the western Solent. This will hopefully help the smaller White Group classes gain shelter from the strong easterly winds. This group is expected to finish on a downwind  leg across the Royal Yacht Squadron line this afternoon.
 
Black Group will race in the eastern Solent, where the wind will be at its strongest. They will then finish on an upwind leg on the Shrape line off East Cowes.
 
While the racing gets underway on The Solent, those on shore are enjoying the carnival atmosphere. There is live music in Cowes Parade starting at 1200, and free whisky mentoring sessions in The Talisker Boathouse on the hour, every hour at Cowes Yacht Haven.
 
Gill, the official technical clothing sponsor is offering instant prizes for the ‘Let’s get ready to race’ against the clock challenge. All you need to do is turn up at the stand from 1200-1600 in Cowes Yacht Haven and see if you can don your racing gear in the quickest time. 


As the race schedule comes to a close today and competitors arrive ashore, Cowes is expected to become exceptionally busy. The bars at Cowes Yacht Haven, and the Sail for Gold bar along the Parade will be popular venues particularly around 1900 when the Royal Navy will perform a solo Lynx display.