Cowes Week Diary: Ladies Day to help charity and recognise sailing’s top woman
THE SHARP end of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is upon us and what a week it has been so far. Highs, lows, tears and plenty of laughter; I’m sure it’s been a week packed full of memories for those sailors competing in this magnificent event.
Being a keen sailor who has raced at Cowes myself, I am well aware of the complexities of racing in the Solent: the combination of prevailing winds versus the strong tidal currents and frequent depth issues always keeps you on your toes.
As some of the fastest offshore racing yachts in the world do battle in a round-the-island dash today, those of us on drier land, and moving at a slower pace, will be treated to an action-packed Ladies Day.
Cowes Week provides a fitting celebration of women in sailing, and, unlike the glitz and glamour seen at other events, Cowes Week holds its very own unique and refreshing take on Ladies Day.
PROUD
Off the water the main focus of the day will be an evening reception at which the Ladies Day trophy will be awarded to recognise an outstanding contribution, commitment or achievement of a woman in sailing. I’ve no doubt that there are plenty of worthy candidates.
I was proud to be asked to design a limited edition Ladies Day charity T-shirt this year which features a Cowes Week adaptation of the Amanda Wakeley signature stamp which is present on all my scarves. All funds raised are going to the official charity, UKSA.
I was lucky enough to meet some of the young people who have been through UKSA’s development programmes earlier this week. To hear how their lives have been transformed is fantastic and puts true meaning behind such campaigns. Back on the water and it’s going to be all hands on deck, so good luck to them all.
Amanda Wakeley is a leading fashion designer who has helped to create a limited edition Ladies Day charity T-shirt for Cowes Week.