Cowes Week – Youth Initiative Making a Difference

With most events in North America pounding their chests when they attract 100+ boats, Cowes Week in the UK has been pounding its chest since 1826. Now attracting between 800 and 1,000 yachts in up to 40 classes, Cowes Week on the Isle of Wight has become an annual summer spectacle.

Back in March, British commentator Andy Green provided some of the details for Scuttlebutt that separates Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week from the crowd. Among the features he noted was its youth initiative.

In 2012, the Aberdeen Asset Management Under 25 Trophy was introduced, and in 2013 the first 15 crews to enter and confirm their entire team of under 25 year olds had their entry fees covered by Aberdeen, as well as receiving team sailing kit and having the chance to compete for the stunning Under 25 Trophy.

The number of young crews grew significantly in 2013, with over twenty boats racing for the Trophy. Expanding on this good idea, Aberdeen’s support of the youth sailing initiative is being increased to 20 crews for the 2014 edition to be held August 2-9.

The crew of under 25 year-olds racing the J/80, J.A.T claimed the 2013 Trophy.

“We were all so happy to win the Aberdeen Asset Management Under 25 Trophy in 2013,” said J.A.T. skipper, Chris Taylor. “The Under 25 trophy is such a great way of encouraging youth teams to enter the regatta, it’s great to hear even more crews will be funded in 2014, as without this support from Aberdeen lots of younger crews wouldn’t be able to compete.”

Stuart Quarrie, Sailing Director at Cowes Week Limited (CWL), added: “It’s fantastic that Aberdeen Asset Management is extending its support for young sailors at the 2014 regatta. We’ve already had several enquiries from young crews eager to capitalise on the opportunity and enter early for next year and the initiative is going from strength to strength.”

Event website – Andy Green report