News - 2013

14:02 Sunday 4 Aug 2013 Sue Pelling/CWLXOD family fun

Sue Pelling/CWL

Phil Brewer, XOD sailor from Lymington, appeared totally relaxed this morning as he made his way out to the start with his team of girls for the second day’s racing at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.

Brewer and team on Zest finished a creditable 19^th overall yesterday from the 80-boat fleet and say they looking forward to improving or equaling that result today. Phil Brewer commented: “We’ve only had the XOD two seasons so I am pleased with how my team of girls have really worked hard to improve.”

Accompanied by his wife Jo and daughters Rebecca (24) and Hannah (22), Brewer said he was really looking forward to getting involved today’s Family Week celebrations. “We’ll certainly be on the look out for the spot prizes but I will have to make sure the girls keep concentration levels up too. To be honest every day is family day for us. The only thing we’ll do different today is fly our Family Day flag.”

The Brewer’s third daughter Emily (20) was not racing today, but the girls said they like to alternate the racing each day, so everyone gets a chance to sail. “We love Cowes Week. We’d never raced before dad bought the XOD. The racing is really good fun and we also enjoy the social scene. It is amazing but we have to be careful not to overdo the partying because dad needs us on top form in the boat.”

Mum, Jo, says she is one of the core crew members and generally manages the front of boat while the girls do the rest. Chatting about family tiffs while racing, Jo said: “ We actually all get on very well on the boat. We occasionally get frustrated if a wrong decision is made but we don’t argue at all. However, our motto is: if it all goes wrong, blame dad.”

Phil concluded: “Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week provides an ideal opportunity for families to spend quality time together and we feel fortunate that our girls are still happy to enjoy a family holiday… cramped up in a boat.”