Competitor feedback helps to steer improvements

The latest from Skandia Cowes Week

Every year the Skandia Cowes Week regatta organisers spend a considerable amount of time analysing competitor feedback and, as a result, look at different ways in which they can further improve the event. All comments are factored into the decision-making process for tweaks and changes that will improve the event for everyone concerned.

Some examples taken on board for this year include:

Courses in 2008 will be supplied to competitors as text messages 15 minutes before their class start (it was previously 10 minutes prior). This should ensure that 99% of competitors will already have received their course before the warning signal.

Declarations by mobile text message will now be possible in addition to online declarations. Internet kiosks will once again be provided throughout Cowes for the convenience of those who prefer to declare online.

To help cater for the less experienced crews in the IRC fleets, the regatta organisers have received permission from the Rating Office for entrants to opt to use their non-spinnaker rating. This will have to be done at the time of initial entry and far enough before the start of the regatta to ensure the rule is not abused by people trying to optimise for heavy weather, if that is the forecast. If there are any ‘new to IRC’ owners who are finding it daunting to complete the IRC application, the organisers are very willing to offer advice and assistance.

'Close Shave Trophy' recognises high performance, tough competition and achievement

The regatta organisers are delighted to announce the launch of the inaugural Liz Earle 'Close Shave Trophy'. This annual trophy will be awarded to the overall winner across all classes who grasps victory by the closest margin.  The Liz Earle Close Shave Trophy will recognise high performance, tough competition and achievement, and will be presented at the overall prize giving at the end of the week, together with a goodie bag for each of the crew. These will contain Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare products formulated using the highest quality naturally active ingredients offering easy-to-use, high performance products that deliver outstanding results.

Lymington-Cowes Ferry service is confirmed for 08

Building on the success of the dedicated Skandia Cowes Week Ferry service from Lymington direct to West Cowes in 2007, the service will once again be offered for the duration of the 2008 regatta. Blue Funnel Cruises will operate this service in association with Skandia Cowes Week from Sat 2nd – Sat 9th August between the Lymington Town Harbour Masters Jetty and Trinity Landing, Cowes.

Prices are £15 for a return, and £8 for a single with 8-day tickets available for £107.50 in advance + the timetable from the Blue Funnel Offices (Tel: +44 (0)23 8022 3278 or email: office@bluefunnel.co.uk). Tickets can also be purchased on the day.

Event lays on spectator boat service or climb aboard a paddle steamer at Trinity Landing

If visitors are interested in getting close to the racing action, Skandia Cowes Week - in partnership with Solent Cruises - is once again laying-on an event spectator boat service.

For those wanting an even more leisurely experience, the world’s smallest commercial paddle steamer Monarch, which is new to Cowes, will be taking visitors around the harbour and up into the River Medina to see the other side of Skandia Cowes Week. The pleasure cruises are on sheltered waters and aboard a 12-seater paddle steamer powered by a 100 year-old steam engine. Places are strictly limited, owing to the size of the vessel, therefore early booking is advised.

Both these services will run from Trinity Landing on Cowes Parade, with advance bookings possible from June.