From Philips to Fling

Team Philips rescuee turned Island Fling crewman Phil Aikenhead talks about wearing dresses at the Swan Europeans

Phil 'Philo' Aikenhead spoke to madforsailing about today's racing on board Island Fling at the Swan Europeans in Cowes. Phil was a crew member on the late Team Philips and is glad to be sailing again on his own doorstep after a long journey to Nova Scotia after having to abandon ship in the North Atlantic last December.

He has taken part in many previous European regattas on Don Wood's beautiful Swan 55 yawl Gandalf Wight Sourcerer so is used to Swan racing in the Solent and says that the event's organisation improves each time even without Rolex's sponsorship. The courses so far this year have been well thought out and better planned for Swan racing.

So what's it like to sail on the fastest boat in the fleet? "She is a Swan 60 and her unique feature is a finn keel which is unusual for these big heavy boats and more fitting to conventional racing yachts. She's very lightweight compared to other Swans. She is very receptive and will heel a lot quicker with the breeze". The boat was originally Irvine Laidlaw's Highland Fling and is the racing version of the Swan 60, complete with a carbon mast.

"The atmosphere is fun on board - there are many jokes on the rail but still a very serious attitude to the racing. It takes a lot of concentration and physical strength to sail these boats as they are so large. Big sail areas mean huge loads and quite a few bodies are required. It's not often I have sailed a boat requiring two of us on mast alone."

What's it like to lead the fleet? "It's always a good feeling to be at the front, but due to our handicap rating we cannot afford to relax so we have to push her hard. Swans - compared to other yachts - generally move slower and are not so easy to manoeuvre so good tactics and navigation will play a huge part in us staying ahead and making time. We are very lucky as we have David 'Sid' Howlett the well known Olympic coach and character on board. He's concentrating on weather along with Titch Blatchford and both have enormous knowledge of sailing the Solent waters. We were first home today so we are still yet to find out how we did, but it was a good day's sailing with a nice consistent 20 knots of breeze. We sailed the course cleanly and made no mistakes so hopefully it was enough to bag a bullet."

What makes the Swan regatta special? "I love sailing big boats and Swans are just special. They are beautiful for a start - a joy to sail whether cruising or racing. The Europeans are just different to most other regattas, probably because you don't just get off the boat and spend the evening in your shorts downing lager. The entire thing is an event. Each evening there is something to attend and most require blazers and ties and downing champagne rather than pints. Plus all the girls wear dresses and look pretty and like to be escorted which is a novelty at sailing events.

We are allowed to be more like the stereotypical yachty once during the week at the crew party. That usually involves a fancy dress theme, beer, rum and dancing. I went wearing a dress last time. Never again. It was far too chilly and exposed and my lipstick wore off too quickly!"