News

11:04 Thursday 13 Aug 2015 Sue Pelling/CWLRain at Cowes Week fails to dampen spirits on big boat race day

A damp day on The Solent

Although it is a bit of a soggy day in Cowes with torrential rain set in for the duration, spirits are high and competitors are enjoying their sixth day of racing. The wind is set to build later too, to provide those competing in the Artemis Challenge a swift sprint round the island.

The Artemis Challenge, now in its 9^th year, has attracted the biggest fleet ever with a total of 16 of the most high profile yachts in the world taking part including IMOCA 60s, Volvo 65s and MOD 70s.

A world class line-up of offshore skippers including Sidney Gavignet, Alex Thomson, Armel Le Cléac’h, Yann Eliès, and Vincent Riou are heading on a 50-nautical mile race, anti-clockwise round the Isle of Wight with star-studded, celebrity teams on board. The fastest IMOCA 60 to complete the course around the Isle of Wight (weather permitting) will win £7,000 for the charity of their choice, with £2,000 going to the winner of multihulls, and £1,000 for the winner of the Volvo 65s.

The celebrity line up going around the island today includes equestrian Olympic silver medallist Zara Phillips and World Cup winning ex England Rugby player Mike Tindall, ex French Rugby player Serge Betsen, Polar explorer and long distance skier Ben Saunders, ex French Rugby player Sylvain Marconnet, and ex Scottish Rugby player Gavin Hastings.

Back in The Solent IRC Class 0 or IRC Big Boat Classs are contesting the New York Challenge Cup. This prestigious piece of silverware, awarded to the top performing boat (fastest corrected speed), was originally presented by the NYYC to the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1951, on the 100^th anniversary of the commencement of the America’s Cup.

Although rain has curbed the shoreside entertainment on the High Street and on The Parade in Cowes today, plans for the legendary Mount Gay Red Cap party at Shepards Wharf Marina are well underway. The party starts at 1800 and the first 500 guests will receive one the famous red caps and a drink. Ticket are available from bars around Cowes and Shephers Wharf.

Those recovering from a hard, and wet day on the water, should consider heading to Northwood House for a relaxing afternoon in preparation for the evening’s social activities. Cream teas are served from 1200-1800.