Page 29 - Yachter Spring/Summer 2022

The Queen’s Cup
By 1953 nine days of racing were being provided by the island and mainland Clubs, wrapping their one day Regattas either side of the RYS three day event. However, each club had its own sailing Instructions, race marks, start lines and times.This continued until 1964 when, on the suggestion of HRH Prince Philip,Admiral of the RoyalYacht Squadron and himself a regular competitor, the Cowes Combined Clubs was formed. This provided competitors with a more consistent racing experience.
At the start of this millennium, well over a thousand yachts participated in Cowes Week, from ultra- modern racing boats with fully paid crews, to the classic dayboats such as Darings, Dragons, Flying Fifteens, Redwings, Seaview Mermaids, Solent Sunbeams,
Cowes Week Racing
Swallows,Victories and XODs.To see this number of yachts approaching the Squadron finishing line on a downwind leg and a spring tide is truly exhilarating, particularly when it is your responsibility to record their sail numbers!
The Royal SouthamptonYacht Club
has always been privileged to run the first day of Cowes Week and in addition to the prestigious Queen’s Cup it also allocates another 25 or so trophies to this event. Since World War II, Cowes has only been cancelled once – due to COVID-19 in 2020. However, in spite of the restrictions, it welcomed over 400 entries in 2021 and will undoubtedly welcome even more in 2022. As soon as you get your new calendars – make a note – Cowes Week 2022 runs from
30th July to 5th August. You do not need to own a boat to participate – you can join our Race Management Team and get on the water amongst the action.
Finally, our butterflies begin to drift back to their country estates in time for the Glorious 12th of August – the end of summer and the start of the Grouse Shooting season.
Jan Cox Race Officer
Race Management Team ready to present The Queen’s Cup - Cowes Week 2021
RACING REPORTS 29