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11:22 Sunday 7 Aug 2016 Sue Pelling/AAMCWFamily affair

The Rouse/Banner families – from left: Ray and Stella Rouse, Peter and Paul Banner

Family Day, which celebrates the fun side of family sailing is always hugely popular and over the years has proved to be a real inspiration, particularly to young family members. Many youngsters, who sail at Cowes Week with their parents, often move into their own boats at future events.

We caught up with a couple of families including the Barter family sailing Dragons and Sonars, and the Rouse/Banner family on a Contessa 32. While some younger members like Simon Barter’s son Alistair has now jumped ship into the Sonar, Simon Barter says it’s still a real family affair. “I have been sailing at Cowes for 30 years with various members of the family. This time I am sailing my Dragon Bertie with my eldest son James, and my son Alistair is here with me on the other Bertie, a Sonar. He used to sail with me but has now moved on.

“Family Day is fascinating and fantastic. I grew up sailing with my father. That is how I learnt to sail, and I have been lucky that my sons like sailing and wanted to carry on independently. It is a joint passion, which is superb as a parent.

“I think Family Day encourages them to keep going. It is not an easy place to start to sail because there is so much going on, but I think once there is a degree of confidence there, then I think with the spectacle and the general atmosphere it is a great place to sail as a family.

Alistair Barton commented: “I started when I was about 11, but this week I am sailing with the Bailey family who we used to sail against. This year we have combined forces. Dad [Simon] is sailing his Dragon against Graham Bailey in Aimee, and Richard Bailey with his two daughters, Anna and Katie, and son Joe, is on my boat.

“For me as a younger member, being at Cowes with the family is a dream. Where else can you get free accommodation, free food and party the night away without worry? The parents go to bed and they know we are nearby having fun. The only concern is being capable of sailing the next day. You have to pace yourself.”

Another regular to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is the Rouse/Banner families on the jointly owned Contessa 32 – Blanco.

Ray Rouse – former International 14 POW Cup winner, and skipper this week, says the Contessa class at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is one of the most sociable classes at the regatta. “It also offers very good one-design racing for families. Essentially we have two families racing here this week; I have two daughters and a son-in-law racing with us this week.”

“For me Cowes Week is a regular part of the routine, it offers a break to get away each year from the normal routine of life at home.”

Stella, Ray Rouse’s daughter who is on sail trim, said: “I have been sailing with my father since my teens, started off in International 14s and then moved on to Blanco about 30 years ago, so it is long-term, fun sailing.

“He rarely shouts, but occasionally he gets excited because he has the dinghy sailor in him.

Peter Banner –  co-owner of Blanco with Ray, and his brother Richard, added: “As well as being a good racing week, it is a good social week and great to have your family and friends around you.”

Peter’s son Paul, who is also onboard this week, says it’s a real family affair. He concluded: “I think this sort of event is a great opportunity for families to meet up because especially if you don’t see each other very often.”