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Cowes Harbour Commission @ Tue May 26 08:48:00 2009
In Detail
COWES HARBOUR COMMISSION TO HOLD ANNUAL PUBLIC MEETING
To maintain transparency, and as part of the integrated communications initiative to help clear up any misconceptions as to its roles and remit, Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) is inviting the public to attend its annual meeting being held at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Cowes, on Thursday June 25 at 7pm. The meeting will take place in the East Marquee that can seat up to 100 people.
CHC will use this opportunity to outline its dual roles, duties and responsibilities as a statutory Harbour Authority as well as a commercial provider of facilities and services. By holding the meeting annually, the Commission aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to give their views on harbour policy and development plans, including the Outer Harbour Project.
The Chairman of the Commission, Jeremy Preston who will chair the meeting, commented recently, “There is no question that Cowes Harbour Commission’s commitment and integrity to manage and develop the harbour is in the interests of all the users and for the wider benefit of the local and Island community. The Commissioners’ track record since 2001 has been to be pro-active in managing a professional Trust harbour that is re-investing all financial surpluses back into harbour development and the services we offer to all the customers of Cowes Harbour.
“The Commissioners believe that Cowes Harbour cannot afford to ‘stand still’ and rest on its tradition and laurels, especially in this current competitive climate and we therefore intend to continue rolling out the strategic and business objectives that are clearly laid out in our ‘Strategic Framework’ document, a document that is free for anyone to download off the CHC website or pick up a copy from the Harbour Office.”
The Harbour Master and Chief Executive of the Harbour Commissioners, Stuart McIntosh will also present the 2008 Management Report including an overview and update of the CHC’s Strategic Framework, achievements in 2008 and objectives for 2009 including the latest update on the delivery of the Outer Harbour Plan. There will be a Financial Report and this will be followed by an opportunity for the audience to put questions to the attending Commissioners.
NEW COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED
CHC has recently appointed three new Harbour Commissioners and updated the portfolios of all Commissioners to align the new skills and experience with the agreed portfolios and core business policies within CHC’s Strategic Framework document. The new Commissioners are Claudia Suckling, David Riley and Jeremy Dale.
Claudia Suckling
Claudia brings a wealth of experience to the Commission having worked for 18 years in the City on large-scale infrastructure projects, and as a campaign manager for a Westminster think-tank. Since moving full time to East Cowes she has provided promotional advice to a number of local charities and has close ties to commercial river activities.
David Riley
David Riley is a partner in a firm of Chartered Accountants and is a director of an international association of professional firms. A keen racing sailor, David grew up by the sea and has kept a boat in Cowes for the last 20 years.
Jeremy Dale
Jeremy has been involved within the marine industry for most of his working life, starting out as an apprentice shipwright in the early 70’s to his current position of owner of SeaSafe Systems Ltd in Cowes.
Commissioners are appointed for three years and due to the staggered retirement policy, vacancies for Commissioners occur each year. Anyone interested in becoming a Harbour Commissioner should apply to the Chairman, via the Harbour Office, or look out for the advertisements in the IOW County Press in February each year if a post is due to become vacant in May.
Multi Cat SEACLEAR
NEW CHC WORKBOAT IS LAUNCHED – (image attached)
Cowes Harbour Commission would like to present the newest edition to its fleet of vessels, the 16 metre Multi Cat SEACLEAR. Constructed by Southampton Marine Services Ltd based in Hythe, Southampton, this is their first venture into workboat production. SEACLEAR will enter operation with Kingston Marine Services. This well equipped vessel is powered by twin Doosan 230BHP diesel engines, driving 800mm propellers through twin nozzles supplied by Watermota Ltd and delivering 8.5 knot services speed with 6 tonnes bollard pull. Deck equipment consists of a 30 t/m crane and 10 tonne winch.
This addition to the CHC fleet will specialise in the laying, servicing and recovery of moorings and buoyage and is also available for charter to carry out marine contracts including bed levelling and marine salvage.
ONE 2 ONE WILL BE HELD MONTHLY
Following the initial successful implementation of the One 2 One feedback sessions with the Harbour Master and a Commissioner, meetings will be held on the second Thursday of each month at the Harbour Office between 1630 and 1800hrs. The next scheduled One 2 One is therefore on Thursday 11th June.
Anyone can simply turn up at the appointed hour at the Harbour Office in Cowes, or make an appointment by contacting Judi at the Harbour Office on 01983 293952, or email chc@cowes.co.uk <chc@cowes.co.uk>
For further information and all the latest news from Cowes Harbour Commission, log on to: www.cowes.co.uk
<http://www.cowes.co.uk>
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RYA @ Tue Apr 28 12:33:00 2009
The crew of Niobe have one to one session at the event
The RYA Muster is a truly unique event bringing together a staggering mix of boats from 40ft yachts and Sunseekers right through to a 25ft Scorpion RIB. But what they all have in common is the opportunity to come along and as well as trying out different types of boating, benefit from the many practical demonstrations taking place from some of the big industry players.
Raymarine, ICOM, Ocean Safety and Sea Start were all present offering tips and advice during dedicated one to one sessions on board participants’ boats. This was complimented by a group session discussing safety equipment on board, what should be in your grab bag, abandoning ship and a chance to try whipping and splicing from Dave Aldridge from Force 4 Chandlery.
In addition to the regular ‘try sailing or motorboating master classes’, for people that usually don’t or for those who wish to practice boat handling under the watchful eyes of Hamble School of Yachting and Sealine Sea School, Mendez Marine ran a radar and AIS demo. This was being offered for the first time at the muster, as were the Sunday morning COLREGs quiz followed by an RNLI flare demonstration and retrieval of a man overboard.
Sam Taylor Nobbs, Sales Manager for ICOM said: “The Muster is a great place for us to get to meet our customers, helping them get the most from their equipment and provide advice on how they have things set up on board their own boats.”
The muster attracts many first timers as well as regular returnees, looking to brush up on techniques and hear the latest from the experts, as well as meeting up with old friends.
Rob Picot and crew, onboard his Sadler 32, Niobe, was returning for the second time to the muster and said: “We decided to come back to the muster as it’s the perfect opportunity to learn some new skills and recap on a few old ones.
“There is so much going on its hard to cram it all in, but it’s really useful to invite the professionals on board for safety checks and demonstrations. We also took advantage of practising our man overboard skills with Hamble School of Yachting, which has really helped us to perfect our technique.”
On the Saturday evening a reception, buffet and disco at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club provided attendees with the ideal time for some socialising, along with the opportunity to win some fabulous kit in the prize draw, thanks to the generous donations of the sponsors.
Andrew Norton, Motor Cruising Projects Manager said of the event: “A key element to any boating event is fun and I can confidently say that all the participants thoroughly enjoyed themselves. There is always a great atmosphere at the muster and everyone goes away with a few new skills under their belt.”
Thanks to all our sponsors without whom the event would not be possible: Force 4 Chandlery, Hamble School of Yachting, ICOM, Ocean Safety, Raymarine, RNLI, Sealine Sea School and Sea Start.
Our thanks also to the sponsors and other contributors for their generous raffle muster prizes:
· One year free membership and tool kit from Sea Start
· A Raymarine holdall and goodies
· A Raymarine jacket and watch
· Hamble School of Yachting, 1 day RYA Shorebased course for two people
· ICOM floating radio
· Two jackets courtesy of Sealine Sea School
· Discount voucher for servicing safety equipment from Ocean Safety
· A Raymarine one day electronic navigation class from Mendez Marine
· Two mooring lines and a Gill jacket from Force 4 Chandlery
The next RYA Muster takes place in the autumn. To book your place contact the RYA on 02380 604 100 or go to the RYA website at www.rya.org.uk
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Preview RORC Red Funnel Easter Challenge – The Season Starter Coaching Classic
RORC @ Mon Mar 16 09:22:00 2009
Once again RORC have relaxed the rules on outside assistance to allow on-the-water coaching which will be organised by Jim Saltonstall and his coaching team, including Cathy Foster, Barry Dunning and RORC Chief Executive Eddie Warden Owen.
“It is an initiative RORC introduced some years ago to give competitors the opportunity to brush off the winter rust and get some useful coaching input whilst racing.” commented Eddie.
The event has always attracted a highly diverse fleet of yachts and competitors and this year is no exception. An international fleet of custom and production yachts will be racing on tight Solent Courses designed to emphasise crew work and boat handling. Entries are still coming in but already there is a fleet boasting over 20 different designs.
Rolex Commodores’ Cup competitors, Nick and Annie Haigh will be competing in their sixth Red Funnel Easter Challenge with their DK46, Dark and Steamy: “It is the premier regatta to start off the season and shake off the cobwebs.” Commented Nick. “We have a big squad this year and the Red Funnel Easter Challenge is a great way to get everybody together and start our Rolex Fastnet campaign.”
The Royal Engineer Yacht Club is entering three boats with a mixture of serving officers, retired officers and civilians. Bridget Forster is sailing on X-332, Ilex of Upnor, this will be her third Red Funnel Easter Challenge: “It’s a fantastic introduction to racing for people who have expressed an interest. It’s a very sociable regatta for sailors who enjoy yachting for the fun of it and there’s always something to learn from the coaches, no matter how experienced you are.”
All competitors will be welcome at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club; the Island Sailing Club’ the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club and the Royal London Yacht Club. For details of accommodation and dining facilities please contact the individual Club.
"The Red Funnel Easter Challenge is not restricted to RORC yachts. Any yacht which meets the requirements of the Notice of Race (seehttp://www.rorc.org/content/view/398/343/ ) is most welcome and the owners and their crew will benefit from the superb coaching and the friendly atmosphere. It is an ideal opportunity at the start of the season, to have a really good look at how to improve your sailing and ultimately get the most out of your sport.” Commented RORC Racing Manager, Ian Loffhagen.
Enter for the Red Funnel Easter Challenge online via the RORC website: www.rorc.org
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The Metre & Classic Keelboat Regatta - Cowes Classic Week 2009
Cowes Classic Week @ Fri Mar 6 12:29:00 2009
The event will again be closely co-ordinated with the British Classic Yacht Club Regatta being held during the same week and to which cruising yachts smaller than 30ft have been invited for the first time.
Racing will be co-ordinated by three principal Cowes yacht clubs: The Royal Yacht Squadron, The Royal London Yacht Club and the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, each taking responsibility for different groups of boats on different race tracks under the management of the Solent’s top race officers.
The 2008 event was a resounding success with higher levels of participation than expected. This year’s event is now anticipated to grow substantially due to both a larger turnout from last year’s classes and through classes new to the event.
Feedback from competitors highlighted the benefits of committee boat starts and separate clearly defined race tracks without interference from other fleets with a mixture of windward-leeward, round-the-cans and inshore passage races contributing to the regatta ethos. A full social programme also engendered the formation of a classic boats community amongst owners and crew who have a remarkable passion for these boats.
So, picking the best from that experience and adding new ideas, Cowes Classic Week looks to grow in stature, become a major event on the International circuit and become a must-do event offering fun and excitement to owners and crew of these boats that have contributed so much to the history of sailing.
In addition to the established classes (6mR, 8mR, 12mR, Daring, Sunbeam, X One Design, Bembridge Redwing) a commitment has already been received from the Victories and Bembridge One Designs. Other classes are welcome and will get a class start with sufficient numbers or a class result in a mixed fleet. Or, individual representatives of any class may sail in a handicap fleet so that the event is inclusive for everybody eligible to race. For instance it is hoped that boats such as IODs, 30sq.m, and Tumlare will be represented – others such as Yorkshire One Design, Gareloch, Burnham One Design, Corinthian One Design, Classic Flying Fifteens and Dragons, etc. may wish to join in; they would be very welcome and serve to broaden awareness of these classes that exist all round the country.
The organisers are also aware that this visually spectacular and historically significant event generates an exceptionally high level of spectator interest. There will be plenty of opportunities for spectators to watch the racing from Cowes Green and to view the boats in the marinas before and after racing – a real benefit for the tourism economy of Cowes.
Naturally, these boats offer wonderful photo opportunities and we anticipate a substantial press contingent again as publishers from all media demand coverage.
A new web site for the event has been launched on which additional details will be posted as they become available www.cowesclassicweek.org and where all interested participants will find the necessary information and contact details.
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Nominations announced for Liz Earle Ladies Day Trophy
@ Tue Aug 5 09:15:00 2008
Cowes, Isle of Wight: The five nominees for the Liz Earle Ladies Day Trophy at Skandia Cowes Week have been announced today by a panel of judges that includes the double Olympic Gold medallist Shirley Robertson OBE.
Shirley was joined on the Panel by the Features Editor of Yachting World magazine, Elaine Bunting, the natural skincare specialist and joint company founder Liz Earle, whose company is also a sponsor of Skandia Cowes Week and of this special day, and Cowes Week Ltd’s Sales and Marketing Director Michelle Warner. Together they have reviewed the list of public nominations and have shortlisted the five nominees for the Liz Earle Ladies Day Trophy. Liz Earle Ladies Day, which takes place on Thursday 7 August, culminates in an exciting on-the-night announcement of this year’s recipient of the exquisite Liz Earle Ladies Day Trophy, presented by Dame Ellen MacArthur in front of an invited audience at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club in Cowes.
Selecting the nominees and an overall winner of the Trophy is all about publicly recognising the achievements and contribution of women in sailing, from those who have overcome difficulties in order to succeed, to those who have undertaken remarkable challenges.
The 2008 Liz Earle Ladies Day Trophy nominees are:
Louise Morton
Louise has been supporting Skandia Cowes Week consistently since 2003 with an all women crew. She teamed up with her friend Liz Rushall and they put together a group of friends on board her Folkboat “for fun”. That year they finished 4th overall in the Round the Island Race and also scored a respectable Skandia Cowes Week result too! After two years with the Folkboat, Louise moved onto a Quarter TonnerSuper Q. Then in 2007 she took over Espada at Skandia Cowes Week from husband Peter, and made the transition to helming as well. As well as sailing in major regattas, Louise is also frequently behind the scene’s managing them, either in her former role as secretary of the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, including running various World Championships, and as Quarter Ton Class secretary. The highly successful revival of the Quarter Ton fleet, Quarter Ton Cup and Vice Admiral’s Cup owes much to Louise’s commitment. There are few people who can combine this level of organisation and sailing successfully, so readily and cheerfully. Her transition to helming has been smooth, with a 3rd overall at Cowes 2007, winning her class at this year’s inaugural Ladies Championship, and an 11th overall in this year’s windy JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, up there with the TP52s. Louise’s commitment to her sport has facilitated many women to get afloat at Skandia Cowes Week and she is a worthy contender for the Liz Earle Ladies Day Trophy.
Kerry Gruson
Kerry was the first disabled woman helm to compete at Skandia Cowes Week. Her condition, termed Anoxia (a lack of oxygen to the brain after being strangled by a Vietnam veteran), has left her with paralysis in the legs and arms requiring her to use a wheelchair for mobility on land. While sailing a boat, Kerry uses a specially designed seat that provides the trunk stability necessary to sail in various wind conditions. A graduate of Harvard, Kerry is now retired from her job as a news assistant in the Miami bureau of The New York Times. She started sailing in 1991 at Shake-A-Leg Miami, and now teaches at the facility. Kerry has been teaching sailing and working at a strategic level in the advancement of accessible sailing for people with disabilities for many years. From her almost daily sailing classes with children and adults with disabilities, to her board membership of Shake-A-Leg-Miami (a charitable organisation working to bring people with disabilities into the freedom that sailing can bring), Kerry has been and continues to be a committed leader in sailing for all.
Kerry, following her recent participation in Cork Week, travelled round Ireland to work with Waterways Ireland supporting sailing clinics for people with disabilities. One of the first steps in her Global Links Programme, Kerry is working to build a network of organisations supporting people with disabilities to access sailing; building best practice models and providing learning experiences for both the organisers and participants. Competing in her third Skandia Cowes Week this year, Kerry continues her focus on overcoming her own disabilities and the additional element of recovery from cancer. She is a living illustration of joy and courage in sailing – a highly deserving nominee for the Liz Earle Ladies Day Trophy.
Hilary Lister
Quadriplegic Hilary Lister credits sailing with changing her life. Since Hilary discovered sailing in 2003, there has been no stopping her. Not content to stay on the gravel pit sailing lake where she learnt to sail, Hilary set herself some amazing sailing challenges. In 2005, Hilary earned national acclaim when she became the first quadriplegic to solo sail across the English Channel.
Hilary competed in the Skandia Cowes Week Round the Island race in 2005 aboard Pindar’s Open 60 with Emma Richards and Lee Sharpe in the Celebrity Pro-Am Race. In July 2007, Hilary sailed around the Isle of Wight, solo aboard her new Artemis 20. Now she has taken on the challenge of sailing solo around Britain on her Artemis 20. We believe her to currently be in Newlyn in Cornwall.
Sailing solo gives Hilary a chance to be in control of her own life and she loves nothing more than spending hours out on the water alone. Hilary is rarely able to be independent, being reliant on other people to help her live her life. Out on the water, she is able to escape and spend time alone, in control of her own destiny.
Katie Miller
Katie Miller only started sailing in 2002, but this year she is skippering one of the youngest average aged crews in Skandia Cowes Week, onboard her Beneteau Figaro II.
The 21-year old’s first major achievement in sailing was her solo circumnavigation of the United Kingdom in 2006. She re-enacted Dame Ellen MacArthur’s own trip to raise money and awareness for The Ellen MacArthur Trust, which is also the official charity of Skandia Cowes Week. In total, she raised over £10,000 in what was a thrilling and life changing adventure.
Her circumnavigation had been inspired from her work with the Ellen MacArthur Trust where she had worked for two years as a volunteer crew member and general assistant during her college summer holidays. This year she returned to skipper one of the trips that take young people recovering from cancer on inspirational sailing trips.
Now, Katie is campaigning her Figaro II “Hot Socks”, so named by Sam Davies, in the double and solo series on the south coast of England before making her debut transatlantic crossing in the OSTAR in 2009. She is currently the youngest competitor on the confirmed entry list, and the only girl. The OSTAR marks the end of her degree reading B.Eng Yacht Production and Survey at Southampton Solent University, and is the stepping stone to her ambitious goal to compete in the highly competitive French Figaro circuit before perhaps sailing onto yet bigger things.
Sam Davies
Sam Davies is one of the top five Open 60 female sailors in the world, which makes her one of the leading solo sailors in the world. She graduated with a Masters Degree from Cambridge University and has spent most of her life on the water, making her way in the offshore sailing world via the Mini Transat and the Figaro Class. At the age of 33, she is now running an amazing Open 60 campaign called Roxy Sailing. Fresh, down to earth and with an unusual profile, she is someone that non-sailing experts can associate with and follow passionately. Earlier this year, Sam competed in the Artemis Transat and took an amazing fifth place, being the first Brit and the first female home. Despite sailing ‘blind’ with no radar and having a collision with a whale, she arrived ahead of some of the other competitors who were racing newer yachts. This was seen as further proof of her talent. Impressed, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston commented: “Sam has shown her real ability. She does not have a new boat but has been keeping up as if she had. She has done her reputation no harm and others will appreciate that her dogged determination is a threat whenever she is racing.”
Sam Davies always comes to Skandia Cowes Week. Competing in the Artemis Challenge in 2007, despite having just had her appendix removed, she will once again compete in the Artemis Challenge in 2008 onboard fellow competitor’s Dee Caffari’s boat, Aviva.
