Triple Crown events added to Cowes Week
BY ADMIN • MAY 29, 2017 • OLDER, RACING • COMMENTS OFF • 119
There was a time at which Cowes Week, which is still the world’s most popular regatta after more than 190 years, was solely the preserve of the rich and famous. Fortunately, it’s no longer as exclusive and many of the 30-plus classes are yachts whose original design is at least 40 years old and that change hands for the price of a modest second-hand car.
Ludde Ingvall’s 100ft revamped super-maxi CQS
Of course, at the high end there are still some of the world’s best racing teams in large state of the art yachts, which helps give the event much of its character and excitement. Last year was no exception, with the 13 strong FAST 40+ class producing the best racing on such powerful yachts in the northern hemisphere.
However, regattas in northern Europe have tended to largely miss out on the boom in superyacht racing as these boats generally travel between the Mediterranean in the summer and Caribbean in the winter. The Royal Ocean Racing Club’s biennial 605 mile Rolex Fastnet Race, always attracts a few superyachts in the 80-100ft range. This year the club has ‘relaxed’ the upper size limit to allow yachts of more than 100ft for the first time ever. This is sure to attract more superyachts to the event.
The Dongfeng race team’s Volvo Ocean 65. The event will be the first time competitors in the 2017/8 event line up together on the water.
Cowes Week has added to the attraction with the announcement of the new Triple Crown, which is open to large IRC rated racing boats up to 36m length. Three of the sailing world’s most historic and prestigious trophies will be awarded. These include The Queen’s Cup, which was presented by Queen Victoria in 1897; The King George V International Cup, a huge flagon that was awarded for the 23 metre class in 1911; and the Royal Yacht Squadron’s King’s Cup which was presented by King George V in 1920.
A wide range of boats is expected to enter, from out-and-out racing boats to cruiser-racers. Early entries include Ludde Ingvall’s 100ft revamped super-maxi CQS and the entire 2017/18 Volvo Round the World Race fleet. It will therefore provide a further injection of adrenaline and glamour into the event.
“The Volvo Ocean Race is known the world over and to have them joining us on the start line will be fantastic,” says Regatta Director Phil Hagen. “Together with striking yachts like the super-maxi CQS with its state-of-the-art design technology, they will be turning heads out on the water.”
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