Excitement is building in the final approach to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week (6-13 August) and, with little more than a week to go; organisers are pleased to confirm the full shore-side and entertainment schedule. In addition to the traditional favourites, there are several new and exciting developments too. Highlights for this year include:
Red Arrows take to the skies at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week
The return of the Red Arrows – Saturday 6 August
The sensational Red Arrows will perform their jaw-dropping display at 19:30 on Saturday 6 August (the first Saturday of the event). The Red Arrows are pleased to make a return to the skies above Cowes after a disappointment in 2010 when the display had to be cancelled due to poor weather and visibility.
A day for the whole family – Sunday 7 August
To help parents and children get the most out of their time at the regatta, a range of family-friendly activities and group offers have been introduced exclusively for Family Day which will take place, for the first time, on Sunday 7 August. The special free events include:
• A children’s flag-making competition (11am – 2pm) in the Ondeck VIP area at Cowes Yacht Haven.
• Viewings aboard the iconic Gipsy Moth IV off Trinity Landing (11am – 2pm).
• Viewing aboard the Sea Cadets training ship, TS John Jerwood, off Trinity Landing (1pm – 5pm)
• Remote-controlled model-boat racing (5pm – 7pm) off Trinity Landing, Cowes Parade.
• A village fete throughout the day at Northwood Park.
• “Wonders of the Universe” stargazing evening courtesy of the Islands own astronomer (9.30pm – 10.30pm). Arrive from 7pm for canapés and cocktails from the pay bar at Northwood House.
• Spot prizes awarded on the water to families racing together, courtesy of Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare and Bainbridge International.
In addition, hour-long sailing lessons with the UKSA are available to families of four for a special discounted price of just £15 on Family Day (book at the Try Sailing Unit on Cowes Parade).
More adventurous families can enjoy a “Rock up and RIB” outing with Ondeck who are offering a special discounted ticket price of £95 for a family of four, or, for a slower-paced spectator experience, the spectator boat service has a significantly discounted family ticket price of £20 for 2 adults and 2 children, exclusively for Family Day.
Ladies Day, in association with the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation – Tuesday 9 August
For the last five years, Ladies Day at Cowes Week has provided a celebration of the outstanding successes of women in sailing. This year, a partnership with the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation continues that tradition but also recognises the wider achievements of the country’s sportswomen and a number of personalities from across the world of sport will be in Cowes in support of the Ladies Day celebrations.
The main focus of the Ladies Day celebrations will be an evening reception on the Pier at Shepards Wharf Marina during which the Ladies Day Trophy will be presented – an award that recognises an outstanding contribution, commitment or achievement of a woman in sailing. Nominations for the Ladies Day Trophy can be made on the event website (www.aamcowesweek.co.uk) until midnight on Friday 5 August.
Ladies Day also features a range of celebratory activities for women, including:
– On-the-spot prizes awarded at random out on the water to female sailors.
– 10% discount on all Gill purchases for female shoppers in the Aquatogs store in Cowes as well as at the Gill retail unit at Cowes Yacht Haven.
– Free entry to Club Infernos for ladies before 00:30 (subject to capacity).
Toe in the Water Curry Night – Wednesday 10 August
A crew curry night will be held at Shepards Wharf Marina on Wednesday 10 August. Island Ales have brewed a special ‘Toe in the Water’ ale which is available at the Toe in the Water Crew Bar, and chefs from the Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistics Regiment will provide the food and military pipers!.
The Official Mount Gay Red Cap Party – Thursday 11 August
The infamous Mount Gay Red Cap party will take place on Thursday 11 August at Shepards Wharf Marina at which there will be a chance to gain one of the most cherished mementoes of any regatta – the coveted Mount Gay Red Cap! A free Red Cap will be given to the first 500 people to buy a ticket and tickets will be available from the Toe in the Water Crew Bar at Shepards for just £5.
TALISKER® Single Malt Scotch Whisky Presents the World’s First Ever Sail-In Cinema – Friday 12 August
TALISKER, the Single Malt Scotch Whisky-Made by the Sea, is hosting the world’s first Sail-In Cinema off Cowes Esplanade at 7pm on Friday 12 August.
The screening of Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World will be shown on a giant screen and boats arriving in the Solent just off Cowes for the fireworks will be able to enjoy this unique form of entertainment. The choice of film was selected by Facebook fans and Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week competitors.
Fireworks – Friday 12 August
A highlight of the event each year is the world-renowned fireworks, which take place on the final Friday of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. Tens of thousands of spectators enjoy the spectacular display over the Solent.
Both the event organisers, Cowes Week Limited, and Aberdeen Asset Management as the title sponsor of the event have committed sizeable contributions to the display this year. However, additional funds are still needed, and a fundraising campaign involving the local community continues to work hard to secure funding. Donations can be made securely online and any surplus funds will contribute towards the 2011 display.
