Cowes Week 2012

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 11th - 18th August is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world and an iconic feature of the British sporting calendar.

With around 1,000 boats, 8,500 competitors ranging from Olympic and world class professionals to weekend sailors, and in excess of 100,00 spectators watching the sailing, enjoying live entertainment and the vibrant festival atmosphere, it is a one-of-a-kind event and certainly not to be missed.

Free Entry
Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is free to attend as a spectator, and much of the racing can be enjoyed from the shore. The best location to watch the starts onshore lies in between the castle of the Royal Yacht Squadron and the cannons. While some venues around Cowes town my charge a small entry fee at various times throughout the Week, this iconic British event is free and open to all.

Family Day - Sunday 12th August
Organisers are building on the success of last year’s first Family Day and a number of initiatives will be in place to help families get the most out of their time at the regatta. There will be a range of free and discounted activities both on and off the water and a chance to soak up the vibrant atmosphere around Cowes.

Jazz FM - Monday 13th August
In addition to the live music on offer throughout the week, Jazz FM will be showcasing jazz talent on Monday in Cowes Yacht Haven, starting at 2.30pm with Balearica Unplugged featuring Lovely Laura & Tyrell. In the evening visitors can wind down from 8 - 11.30 pm to vocalist and guitarist Kaz Simmons, and saxophonist Yolanda Brown.

Ladies Day - Thursday 16th August
Celebrating women in sailing is the focus for Ladies Day, in recognition of the major successes of women in one of the few mainstream sports where men and women compete on equal terms.

Ladies Day also celebrates and recognises sporting prowess across a wider range of sports and, working in partnership with the Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation (WSFF) and the event's sponsors, a number of female achievers across a range of sports will come together at the regatta in celebration of Ladies Day.

Nominations are now being accepted via the official event website for the Ladies Day Trophy which recognises outstanding contribution, commitment, or achievement in sailing generally (not just at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week).

Best of British Celebrations - Friday 17th August
Last month CWL was delighted to announce the involvement of Skandia Team GBR sailors at this year’s regatta. The team will be present on Friday 17th August, just one week after competing for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Throughout the week Cowes will feature a red, white and blue "Best of British" theme on and off the water in celebration of this special year for Great Britain. A number of special activities are also planned in celebration of the success of the Olympic Games.

The festive action of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week will culminate on Friday 17th August in the traditional fireworks display, taking place at 21:30.

Toe in the Water - The Official Charity
Toe in the Water is a non-profit organisation which uses sailing as a vehicle to re-inspire injured servicemen and women, all of whom have been profoundly wounded, some sustaining loss of limbs.

Toe in the Water has organised a range of fundraising activities and events in conjunction with many of the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week partners.

They include: -

• Vintage Great British Supper Party' on Sunday 12th August at Northwood House, with a champagne reception, vintage styled supper and dancing to the Ian James Orchestra
• A display by The Black Knights - the Royal Artillery Parachute Display Team - on Tuesday 14th August just off Trinity Landing and The Parade as part of a special reception hosted by the 17 Port & Maritime Regiment, Royal Logistic Corp
• The massive 'Legends & Heroes Crew Party' at Shepards Wharf Marina on Friday 17th August which will feature live music, games and entertainment, a gourmet BBQ and a special appearance from members of Skandia Team GBR

For more information please go to www.aamcowesweek.co.uk