Cowes Week update

Organisers impliment changes following competitor survey

Skandia Life Cowes Week takes place this year on 2-9 August 2003

“Probably the best sailing regatta on earth!”

“If you’re a competitor it’s a great feeling to race hard all day and party hard at night! – It’s the feel of the big time!”

These are just two of the many quotes from competitors who completed the Skandia Cowes Week 2002 Questionnaire. Each year, Cowes Combined Clubs and the Event’s title sponsor, Skandia, carry out a competitor feedback exercise. As a direct result of feedback received, a number of new initiatives are being introduced for 2003.

CYH competitor passes

Having received a very mixed response from competitors to the subject of discounted passes for evening access into Cowes Yacht Haven (CYH), much discussion has since taken place between CCC and CYH. The decision is that no discounted entry will be offered to competitors this year. Both parties have agreed to use those resources more effectively for the benefit of ALL competitors.

However, if you are berthed in the Yacht Haven, you receive one free pass per metre of boat length. Approximately 200 entries stand to benefit from this deal, which equates to around 25% of all competitors. Almost half the competitors hardly ever visit the Yacht Haven for their evening entertainment, preferring instead to visit their yacht club, the pub or return to their base.

In past years, CYH and CCC have been trying to strike a deal that works for everybody even though 75% of competitors don’t need discounted passes. In reality, the final 25% of competitors have been subsidised by those not using CYH.

End of Race Declaration of Points

CCC is introducing two end of race declaration points positioned at Hamble and at East Cowes to help competitors avoid unnecessary waiting to sign off at the end of each day’s racing.

New fireworks contract

After 130 years, CCC has changed its Cowes Week firework supplier. The award-winning Kimbolton Fireworks, a Cambridgeshire-based company, has been appointed to design, choreograph and fire a stunning and entertaining 25-minute display which takes place on Friday evening, 8 August.

Prizegiving

By kind permission of CYH, the confirmed venue for the Skandia Cowes Week final prizegiving to be staged on the evening of Saturday 9 August, is the Yacht Haven arena. This will give competitors the opportunity to enjoy a full evening’s live music after the prizegiving.

SMS text messaging

Given the success of CCC’s introduction of text messaging course information to competitors who registered with them, the organisers confirm that this service will be offered again at the 2003 Regatta. The course information message formatting is being upgraded to make it clearer and more concise for the recipient to understand.