Official launch of the Cowes United

by Rob Goddard on 19 May 2017 The official launch of Cowes United, a brand new Committee Boat for Cowes, took place on 13th May on Trinity Landing opposite the Royal London Yacht Club. Ben Rouse, High Sheriff of the Island, made an amusing speech and dedication.

This purpose-built catamaran is a state-of-the art Committee Boat, and is fully equipped to a very high standard; it is made available by the generosity of David and Patsy Franks. David’s speech disclosed his dream that Ben Ainslie representing Britain and the Royal Yacht Squadron would bring the cup home and then select this new boat as the Committee Boat for the 2019 competition in the Solent. The six clubs which together form Cowes Combined Clubs (Royal London, Royal Ocean Racing Club, Royal Thames, Royal Yacht Squadron, Island Sailing Club and Cowes Corinthian) have already booked the boat for some of their racing this season.

It will be used at many major events including Cowes Week, Charles Stanley Direct Cowes Classic Week, IRC Nationals, Telegraph Bowl, Silicon Cup, and Royal Thames Etchells Invitational for the Gertrude Cup.

Twin Yamaha Outboards capable of 18 knots
Heating
USB ports
Automatic windlass controlled from the cockpit
Starting horn
PA system
Raised viewing platform with electronic readouts and communication
Dodgers on viewing platform as a wind break; space available for your sponsors
Complete safety equipment, MCA registration and insurance
Bow thruster
Racing flag pole mounts and racing flags
Course board on stern with direction, course (including letter/number/symbol) and
distance
B&G Precision nine compass and B&G Vulcan nine chart plotters
Repeaters of wind direction and speed both current and display of past 10 minutes
etc.,
Electronic chart
Bunks
Navigation table
Heads
TV
Kettle
Large outside area and seats partly covered from the weather
VHF including private channels,
AIS both receiving and transmitting
GRP hull (not steel)
12 Spinlock Deckvest LITE Lifejackets.
Wheelchair access
Outside shelter
Inside working area
A bosun has been appointed to ensure that the boat is well maintained.

The boat is supported by help from the Cowes Harbour Commissioners. Joliffes Chandlery in Cowes, B&G and Spinlock have been particularly generous as sponsors.

Cowes United will be used for many youth sailing events supported by Cowes Yacht Haven and Red Funnel, who have both been very generous in their support.

Graham Sunderland of Winning Tides fame has masterfully navigated the project through to completion making over 35 modifications, and ably assisted by Kevin Downer and Steve Coles. Bob Milner’s experienced eye and contributions from Stuart Childerley, Peter Taylor and Cowes Week Director Phil Hagen have also been very significant in achieving the success of this project.

Cowes United is available to all clubs which use the Solent, for racing and for corporate events.