Cowes-Deauville Yacht Race - The rejuvenation of sailing heritage

by Peta Stuart-Hunt on 3 Apr 2014 The late May Bank Holiday sees the 52nd running of the Cowes-Deauville yacht race, presented by AVEVA and coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of the twinning of Cowes and Deauville, as well as the start of the famous La Solitaire du Figaro race a few days later.

The Royal Southern YC will be joined for this event by the Deauville Yacht Club, Royal London Yacht Club, Yacht Club de France and the Junior Offshore Group, racing in IRC and Club Classes, alongside a Cruiser and Motorboat Rally.

To mark these special occasions, the people of Deauville have embarked on a major redevelopment of the harbour area. A very warm welcome and a hectic social programme are planned to entertain the visiting yachtsmen and women, throughout the holiday weekend.

The inner harbour will be cleared of yachts, ready for the Figaro, but will be open for competitors in the Cowes-Deauville Race. For the first time in many years, dredging over the winter means that all boats will be able to moor safely within its sheltered walls, with shower blocks adjacent and the restaurants and shops just a few minutes walk away.

There are a few special features about this year's race which competitors need to bear in mind, as well as getting their entry forms in as soon as possible!

The most critical change is the start time, which this year has been brought forward to 12.00 - 12.30 on Friday 23rd May, rather than in the evening. The reason is that high water times at Deauville mean that the lock gates will be open from around 05.15 to 10.45 (French Summer Time) on Saturday morning 24th May and 12 hours later in the afternoon. Arriving on Saturday morning will allow the Race organisers to hold the prize giving on Saturday evening, with the Mayor hosting all competitors at a champagne reception. All classes will be racing for a range of prestigious trophies.

The second new feature is the option to send the bigger-faster boats on a longer course, probably around St Marcouf Island to the east of the Cherbourg peninsula. The longer course will ensure that all boats arrive off Deauville at about the same time and well as creating a challenge for the bigger yachts negotiating the tides around Barfleur. The decision whether or not to use this option will be made once the likely weather conditions are known.

The third new feature will be the introduction of a golfing competition on Sunday morning, followed by an AVEVA-hosted brunch for all competitors at the Clubhouse de l' Hotel du Golf. Competitors don't even need to worry about the weight of their golf clubs slowing down their racing, because some friendly motor boaters have volunteered to carry them across!

Event website: click here