Cowes Week Diary: Thrills at sea and ashore: Cowes is more than a red trouser-fest
ABERDEEN Asset Management Cowes Week, as its 179-year tradition dictates, kicked off at the weekend, and even if you’ve not been before I’m sure you could describe it. All the maritime cliches are here bold and proud: stripy jumpers, red trousers, peaked hats, Hugo and Barnaby down from Town for a spot of yachting, yah!
But it’s much more than that. It’s challenging racing for a ridiculous number of people – 8,500 this year – and for all ages, sizes, abilities. Look past the red trousers and you’ll see them: days spent battling round the Solent from the Needles to Portsmouth; afternoons, salty, smiling and slightly smug from a day in the fresh air, retelling (exaggerating) shared experiences at the bar.
This small town comes alive with sport and, as importantly, with fun. There’s live music everywhere. Bars, ice cream, nightclubs. A good day on the water means you’ve definitely earned a good night ashore. A bad day on the water? What else are you going to do? There are fancy balls and posh dos one night to the next; in the beer tent, in your wellies long after you should have had a shower. Ok, just one more.
In 20 years racing or involved in Cowes Week, I’ve sailed in the biggest, most spectacular boats and won the prestigious trophies. I’ve also raced in borrowed boats with my mates, young and unprepared, not knowing what was going on but enjoying being caught up in the spirit. Recently I’ve spectated more, with my kids, corporate guests, first-timers. Yesterday Pippa Middleton joined us for a taste of sailing. All have been captivated by it, as I still am.
It runs till Saturday, so dust down your red trousers and cross the Solent. I’ll see you in the beer tent, still in my wellies.
Shirley Robertson is a double Olympic sailing champion and broadcaster.