News - 2012

10:20 Sunday 12 Aug 2012 Sue Pelling/CWLAberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week Day 2 outlook

The second day of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week marks family day, which means there’ll be plenty of family action on and off the water.

Although the weather forecast is threatening to delay racing, once the predicted weather trough passes through, there is a good chance another glorious sailing day on The Solent will emerge.

A trough of showers, and light south-easterly winds are currently sitting over Cowes – once this moves away there will be a moderate south-westerly breeze and the skies will clear. A short postponement for classes starting off the Royal Yacht Squadron is possible if it looks as though the trough will quickly clear the area, but if it becomes stationary, races will start at their scheduled times.

All classes starting from the fixed lines off the RYS are heading to the west, with White Group classes then looping over to the Knoll Bank and into the east Solent, before finishing on the Shrape line off East Cowes.

The Black Group committee boat will be off Browndown, off the north shore of the eastern Solent, while in White Group, XOD and SB20 classes will start from a committee boat near Hamble Yacht Services racing mark.

To embrace the family spirit, there are plenty of family day incentives including on-the water spot prizes on offer for those flying the special family flag. A family day spotter rib will be on the water between 1400 and 1600 to hand out the prizes courtesy of of Liz Earle Natural Skincare and Bainbridge International.

For families not racing but who would like to spend time on the water, there’s a chance to take advantage of the discounted price on the spectator boat service (£20 for two adults and two children). Alternatively the Rock up and Rib with Ondeck has discounted price for its high-speed rib rides.

Ondeck will also be running a family flag making competition and a painting competition on their stand in Cowes Yacht Haven between 1100-1400 today.

The carnival atmosphere on shore continues today with live music in Cowes Parade starting at 1200, and free whisky mentoring sessions in The Talisker Boathouse on the hour, every hour.

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.

The RS Elite Stadium Cup kicks off today with races scheduled for an hour between 1800 and 1900 just off the Green. There are two knock-out heats planned followed by a winner-takes-all final.

For those keen to watch the Olympic closing ceremony, there’ll be live screen on the big screen at Cowes Yacht Haven between 1930 and 2230.

One of the biggest social events of the week takes place tonight too. Toe in the Water, the official charity of Aberdeen Asset Management, presents the Toe in the Water Vintage Great British Supper Party at Northwood House. To purchase tickets, email kate@toeinthewater.org.