Cowes reps out in force in City to rev up interest
THE annual festivities of Cowes week start just two days before the end of the Olympics in August, and with so much on offer in the sporting world this summer those behind the event have already begun in earnest with their efforts to entice City workers down to the Isle of Wight.
Yesterday the organisers of the event, sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management, descended on Cheapside in the Square Mile to offer workers the chance to try their hand at “grinding” – the most physically strenuous job on a yacht, mastering the winches that reel in the sheets during sail hoists.
Prizes were presented to the fastest scoring males Scott Millar and Mathew Greenlay (who works for Aberdeen Asset Management strangely enough), the winning females Stephanie Knoll and Lisa Thomson, while Gemma Wade and Samuel Grantham represented the mixed pairs. The overall winners were Millar and Greenlay with the fastest grinding time of 09.82 seconds to winch the sail.
Among the top prizes were Aeroliner collection Hugo Boss watches, luxury Liz Earle beauty hampers and Ondeck sailing excursions/experiences.
Over a two hour lunch-time period more than 150 City workers joined in the fun, with competition said to be fierce.
The organisers of Cowes week, one of the world’s largest sailing regattas, are hoping beyond hope that the Olympics will have a positive impact on the numbers of people attending this year.
They reckon that the Games, combined with the warm feelings engendered by the Diamond Jubilee, will only add to the regatta’s theme of celebrating the best of the British, culminating with an opportunity for visitors, on Friday 16 August, to see the GB sailing team in person.
For more information on Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week see: www.aamcowesweek.co.uk