News - 2014

10:49 Sunday 3 Aug 2014 Sue Pelling/CWLFamily Day fun

Humphrey van der Klugt with daughter Ella and nephew Ed embrace family day in the Solent Sunbeam class – photo Rick Tomlinson/CWL

The introduction of Family Day at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is highly popular with families seeing it as an opportunity to spend a holiday week together on and off the water.

As well as the thrill of racing with family members, families also get the chance to engage in the spirit of the day with plenty of activities taking place including on-the-water spot prizes (courtesy of Gill, Liz Earle and Bainbridge International) for teams spotted flying the Family Day flag.

This year over 300 teams have embraced the fun of the day and signed up to fly the Family Day flag.

Chris and Gabby Palmer on the J/109 J’Taime are racing with their family – Chips (9), Maddy (13), and Isobella (15). Gabby chatting just before they headed out to the racecourse, said: “We are really excited about Family Day. It is a fantastic idea because it proves the event is not just for corporate yachts, but it’s an event for all and really good fun. We as a family are learning the ropes from a team of good sailors onboard, which is really enjoyable.”

Chips who apparently enjoys sail trim, added: “I love sailing and Family Day is great fun because we want to do well and win prizes. We’ll be watching out for the spot prize boat after the race finishes.”

Harry and Pru Roome (60) from Itchenor Sailing Club say that husband and wife teams can work in perfect harmony. In their Swallow Skua, they won yesterday’s opening race and are hoping to repeat their performance on Family Day. Harry commented: “I think sailing together as a family works well because I just do what I’m told. No, seriously, we’re a good team because we’ve been sailing dinghies together for the last 10 years and we learn from each other. Looking forward to Family Day and hope to pick up a spot prize, if we see the RIB.

Back on shore there is plenty family fun activities and competitions including flag making and colouring competitions for youngsters at Cowes Yacht Haven between 1100 and 1430. There will also be a series of circus and theatre workshops throughout the day in the Yacht Haven, and the big wheel at Northwood House with an outdoor screening of 'The Goonies' this evening. Watch out also, for Andy Day (as seen on CBeebies) who’ll be on Cowes Parade at 12:30 and 14:30 with the mischievous T-Rex dinosaur from BlackGang Chine. There is also a chance to go space-hopper racing at Shepards Wharf Marina.