COWES WEEK 2008

Letter from our Race Entry secretary, who lives in Cowes and has been discussing our future with the regatta organisers.

	Cowes Week this year will between Saturday August 2nd and Saturday August 9th.  This year we intend to make it a more attractive proposition than ever.  It is such an enormous event that just being there is a huge thrill, but, as a Class, we are lucky to have a considerable amount of goodwill and affection from the organizers of what is probably the largest and most famous regatta in the world.  They are keen for us to have enough entries to keep our own races and Class starts on this, the grandest of stages and here are some of the reasons for this.  Unlike many classes that have large entries at Cowes Week, we come complete as a thriving race series, renowned for racing of the very highest quality and sportsmanship.  Also, we appeal to spectators because we look beautiful – well at least our boats do – and we have a ready made following in the form of a large Class Association.
It is also clear from discussions with the organisers that they do understand that the real glamour and spirit of the event is in the one design classes like ours, without which the greatest regatta in the world would lose its heart.  This enables us to have our own races, most of which start on the line in front Royal Yacht Squadron and involve a spectacular finish in front of the spectators on The Green next to the RYS`s castle headquarters from which the finishing guns will fire . In the evenings, the little town of Cowes offers a disproportionately large selection of entertainment, atmospheric traditional pubs, exciting bars and excellent restaurants of most types. There are food stalls and beer tents on the waterfront by the river and bands playing on a number of stages in amongst them. The competitor's  free passes are provided for all registered crew!
The only requirements to enter a Contessa 32 in Cowes Week, in addition to payment of the entry fee, are, a valid measurement certificate, Class Association Membership and insurance for racing to the organizers requirements – usually no different from other races. This year we have arranged berthing for the fleet at East Cowes Marina where we expect to have our own area among the pontoons which should make socialising easy. The Marina has offered us rates which are substantially less than most other classes will be charged whilst their facilities are among the best and almost certainly of a higher quality than any alternatives. Their berths, all of which have shore access, are some of the most sheltered available. The Lifeboat pub in the marina serves breakfasts.  Among the advantages of berthing on the east side of the river are the relative proximity of a camp site (used by many crew in previous years) and the fact that shore accommodation, always at a premium in Cowes Week, tends to be a little cheaper there. East Cowes is connected to the rest of the town by a floating bridge (free to pedestrians) and several other ferry and water taxis, some of which are free during Cowes Week.  It is about 15 minutes from your berth to the town centre!
	The Class Association's plans for social events currently include a pontoon party by the boats (similar to those at our usual series regattas), followed by an informal meal nearby, we are arranging a cocktail party at the Royal Yacht Squadron, from whose lawns we will be able to see professional exhibition racing close inshore ..and the intention is to repeat last year's Friday night party at Egypt Point to watch the famous fireworks, which are normally preceded by an aerobatic display.  It is our intention to have some form of social gathering every evening after racing. For those who are new to Cowes we have a number of very experienced skippers and crew who no longer bring their own boats along but who would love to help newcomers.  Just let us know and we will do all we can to arrange such help.
So that is it really. The Class Association is understandablyy keen to keep the number of entries up, but, frankly, I am surprised that it needs to be “sold” – it is, as those who regularly enter will know, an extremely enjoyable and exciting experience.     No commitment at all is required at this stage, but it would be very helpful for the Class Association to have an idea of which boats are thinking of entering –and the organizers have asked us to give them provisional information too. Please do email me back at kimandmarkoliver@btinternet.com  with the following details asap. Skippers Name .. Boat Name Sail Number .. Email address Telephone Number ... I am considering entering Cowes Week 2008 Yes   No  (Delete as appropriate)   I must stress that this information is not binding in any way at this time – and even if you say that you are not considering an entry, I will still try to persuade you otherwise !!   Finally, I have been asked to say that Contessa Catherine, the very first Contessa 32, is available for charter as a Cowes Week entry. If this is of interest, I will gladly put you in touch with her owner.   All the best,   MARK OLIVER (Connie) CO32 ASSOCIATION RACE ENTRY SECRETARY