Island Life Magazine Ltd February/March 2012 | Page 73

ON THE WATER

Looking ahead to
Cowes Week 2012

The world famous regatta does
not take place until August,
but Cowes Week Limited
(CWL) is already focussing
its primary efforts for making
improvements in line with the
priorities for its competitors.
Stuart Quarrie, Chief
Executive Officer of CWL,
said: “Looking ahead, we
remain focused on providing
excellent, competitive sailing
for those taking part in the
racing whilst looking at ways
in which we can reduce their
participation costs in these
challenging economic times.”
CWL has already confirmed
that for 2012 standard entry
fees will remain at the same
level as 2011, despite RPI
rates of more than 5%. A
20% discount will also apply
to entries received within the
early bird entry period between
March 26 and June 4.
As CWL focuses its attention
on ensuring facilities and
logistics for racing at the
regatta are the best they can
be, it is adapting its plans

to concentrate on this core
element of the regatta. As
such there will be no fireworks
display this year.
Stuart Quarrie said: “Sincere
thanks go out to all those
organisations and individuals
that have provided their
generous support for the
fireworks display in recent
years. It is with great reluctance
that this decision has been
reached, but sadly with the
mismatch between rising costs
and a lack of financial support
from the community, the
situation has become
untenable.
“However, if
another organisation
were to put on a
display during the
event, CWL would
be delighted to
contribute towards
the costs on behalf
of the competitors
taking part in the
sailing regatta.”

Awards for
Ryde rowers
Nine members of Ryde Rowing Club,
including Association secretary Steve Bull,
attended the Hants & Dorset Amateur
Rowing Association Presentation Dinner,
in Southampton, to receive the awards won
during a successful Coastal season.
It was also the Club’s turn to make the
response to the Association chairman's
welcome speech, which former Club
Rowing captain and coach Graham Reeve
undertook on the Club’s behalf, speaking
on the development of junior rowing
within the region and proposing the toast
to the Association.
The Club’s Senior Sculls champion, Ian
Hayden, was unable to attend due to a
family wedding so Club member John
Adams accepted the medal and trophy
on his behalf. Max Reeve represented the
successful Club’s Men’s Novice squad who
won a share in the Men's Novice Fours
Championship and Bryony Reeve was
presented with the trophy and ceremonial
cap as the Associations Coxswain of the
year.
There has been a change of Club captain,
with Pete Allsopp taking over from Pete
Hewison who stepped down after many
years service but will remain on the
committee so the Club can benefit from
his years of experience.

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