New video launches for Cowes Week first timers

Ahead of the second year of the new Club Cruiser Class at Cowes Week, the Cruising Association (CA) and Cowes Week organisers have teamed up to produce a ‘first-timer’ video to encourage the new racing division for cruising sailors.

Organisers says the video is focused on first timers, but will prove equally helpful for owners and skippers who regularly race but may be introducing new crew to Cowes Week or crew who will be sailing for the first time. The video covers everything from insurance to the starting line.

“A first time at anything can be daunting,” says Lucy Gray, CA general manager. “We hope this video will be a useful guide for those making the transition from cruising to racing, demystify competing and encourage more entries in the Club Cruiser Class.

“We consulted with our members and lined up a pile of questions that are likely to crop up for new competitors. The video is intended as a ‘walk through’ of what to expect and we really appreciate the partnership with Cowes Week. We are looking forward to this year’s event.”

Taking place in the Solent from 30 July – 5 August 2022, Cowes Week is one of the UK’s longest-running sporting events, attracting around 600 yachts in up to 40 classes.

In 2021, the Club Cruiser Class featured a broad line up of popular cruising yachts, including Bavaria, Beneteau, Carter, Dehler, Dufour, Sigma, Westerly and Folkboat, and so far, entries this year include a Rustler 33, Finngulf 33, First 285 and Super Seal 26. The event has one race per day, with several starts off the Royal Yacht Squadron line.

The CA is partnering with Cowes Week as presenting trophy sponsor for the Club Cruiser Class.

“We are delighted that the Cruising Association is again working with us at Cowes Week to bring the Club Cruiser Class to the attention of more sailors,” said Laurence Mead, Cowes Week regatta director. “The Cruising Association Trophy was won by Chameleon of Cowes last year and the challenge is there to win it off them. Cowes Week is an eclectic mix of racing and socialising, a 196-year-old tradition that is as much about having fun with your friends as it is about hard-core racing. Enter for a week or just for a few days, there are trophies to win every day and parties every night!”

Entries are open with the option to enter the whole regatta or specific days. The ‘early bird’ fee applies for entries paid by Friday 27 May, the standard entry fee until 22 July, after which the late entry fee applies.

Thousands of competitors race during the week ranging from weekend sailors to world champions and Olympic medallists.