Cowes Magazine - Issue 1 - Summer 2018

Cowes YACHTING MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2018

SOLENT FORTS Your chance to own a piece of history

New

Spirit Yachts Celebrating 25 Years

Cowes Spring Classics

A successful first regatta

THE WORLD IS HIS OYSTER

Richard Hadida on his plans for Oyster Yachts

FREE Please take a copy

STYLE AND SEAKEEPING Hand-built classic designs, uniquely yours

D uchy 21

Du c h y 2 7

D uchy 35

Du c h y 4 5

INFO@COCKWELLS.CO.UK

+44 (0)1326 377 366

W W W. C O C K W E L L S . C O . U K

C O R N WA L L , U K

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owes is the centre of UK sailing and many yacht owners, crew and guests visit during the summer.

Most visitors are cruising across the Solent from Lymington, The Hamble and Gosport but many come from much further away to compete, spectate and party at the numerous specialist and well known regattas.

Cowes is also a hub of activity during weekdays with corporate sailing, team building and training.

Cowes Magazine is for people who love boats. It’s not only about sailing or racing and it’s not specifically about Cowes which just acts as the magnet.

To make a viable magazine you need advertisers and this very niche audience is attractive to the yachting community and beyond. I would like to thank all the companies who had faith and supported this launch issue of the magazine.

Advertising agencies please note: there will be another magazine next summer!

Alexander Wright Publisher www.cowesmag.com

Published by yoyographics.com COVER: Spirit Yachts on the Solent by Emily Harris Photo contributed by Spirit Yachts

Instagram @cowesmagazine Facebook @cowesmag www.cowesmag.com Advertising and editorial enquiries for Cowes Magazine 2019 alex@yoyographics.com or +44 (0) 7741 289986

Photo: Chris Brown

A message from the Mayor’s office On behalf of Cowes Town Council, the local residents and businesses, I offer a warm welcome to all yachting visitors.

We are proud of the role Cowes plays on the international sailing stage, as we host numerous prestigious events every year from May to September.

We are also proud of our marine industry heritage, from the production of seaplanes and hovercraft to the world class aluminium catamarans of today including newly-built Red Jet 7.

I wish you an enjoyable and safe stay; if you are here to compete on the water, good luck!

Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox Deputy Mayor of Cowes

Advert for Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust was donated in memory of windsurfing pioneer Jeremy Wright.

Yoyo Graphics Ltd accept no legal responsibility for loss arising from information in this publication and do not endorse any advertising or products available from external sources. No part of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the written consent of the publishers. All rights reserved 2018

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Cowes

Above: Red Jet 7 launched at Wight Shipyard (photo by Jake Sugden), bottom right: Eddie Jordan's Oyster, 'Lush' (photo contributed by Oyster.)

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Red Jet 7

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UKSA is 30

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Local Hero: Jo Grindley

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Best of Cowes

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Regattas 8

Cowes Spring Classics

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Panerai British Classic Week

65

Lendy Cowes Week

Yachts 22

Spririt Yachts turns 25

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Restoration of Life Aquatic

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Cockwells Duchy 35

56

Oyster's new owner Richard Hadida on his new 'family'

Sailing Abroad 32

The BVI recovers after Irma

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Currency swap: app & card

Waterfront Property 14

Solent Forts up for sale

62

Cowes harbourside house

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NEW FOR COWES

Spring Classics A perfect cocktail of sailing and socialising in style.

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he inaugural Cowes Spring Classics was held on the weekend of the 11th of May 2018. 24 much loved classic yachts, ranging from just 20 foot to 65 foot, gathered at Shepards Marina at the start of a balmy blue sky weekend.

The relaxed tone was already set by the regatta rules which stipulated:

The fleet included some beautiful and important yachts from the world’s great designers, built from Victorian times to the present day.

Sadly the weather proved too nice and there was little wind on the Saturday but Sunday witnessed some decent racing.

The winners collected generous prizes courtesy of the sponsors.

Racing is to be conducted in the Corinthian Spirit and in a Gentlemanly Manner, in keeping with the age of the competing yachts.

• No Cheating • No Collisions • No Complaining.

On arrival each skipper received race documents housed in a gorgeous sailcloth wallet made by Ratsey and Lapthorn, one of the event sponsors.

Several other sponsors took part including classic yacht broker Sandeman Yacht Company racing Laughing Gull, a gleaming 44 foot 1949 S&S yawl.

Left & above: Cowes Spring Classics onshore & offshore, photos by Chris Brown.

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THE RESULTS Class 1 winner Whooper, second Mikado.

Class 2 winner Step Back In Time, second Winifred.

Class 3 winner Sabrina, second Cynthia.

A fun feature of this new event is the social scene. Nearly 100 competitors had a great time at various parties from the welcome drinks at North House hotel (another sponsor) to the fancy dress “come in the period of your yacht” dinner on Saturday. But then of course ‘Spring is nature’s way of saying let’s party’.

Organisers Martin Nott and Mary Scott-Jackson seemed genuinely pleased: “We set out to create a new regatta that would be relaxed both on and off the water. We hoped to attract a wide variety of classic yachts, big and small, that would enjoy racing together to open the season. We achieved that, and look forward to welcoming more boats in May 2019.”

Cowes Spring Classics will return on 10-12 May 2019. www.cowesspringclassics.com www.ratseyandlapthorn.com

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WE SET OUT TO CREATE A NEW REGATTA THAT WOULD BE RELAXED BOTH ON AND OFF THE WATER.

Photos: Cowes Spring Classics Sunday Racing, right: party at The Sugar Store.

All photos by Chris Brown

www.chrisbrownphotography.co.uk

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Sail the Solent in Style

Upgrade to the Signature Lounge for just ÂŁ10 pp* Your Signature experience includes: ww A relaxed, adult-oriented atmosphere ww An inclusive selection of hot drinks & pastries ww Magazine, newspaper & book library ww Panoramic views of the Solent ww Premium bar access ww Enhanced Wi-Fi ww Contemporary dĂŠcor ww Table service

Simply select to upgrade when booking online or call 023 8001 9192 to add to an existing booking For full Signature Lounge access terms and conditions visit redfunnel.co.uk/signaturelounge. Please note that children under 12 and pets (with the exception of assistance dogs) are not permitted in the Signature Lounge. The Signature Lounge is available on selected sailings only - check website or phone for details. *Price stated is per person, per crossing and correct at the time of print (June 2018).

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3 Solent Forts now up for sale Spitbank Fort • 30,000 sq ft approximately • 9 suite boutique retreat hotel within historic fort dating back over 150 years • Mature business turning over approximately £1.8m (net of VAT) • Extensively refurbished in 2012 with approximately £4m spent • Located in the Solent and accessed by boat from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth • Officers Mess Restaurant (60 covers), Victory Bar and wine cave, roof terrace, hot pool, sauna, fire pit and sun deck • High demand for exclusive use parties for birthdays and weddings • The hotel is available freehold as a going concern business The transaction will be structured as a business and asset sale

Guide Price £5m

No Man’s Fort • 55,000 sq ft approximately • 23 suite boutique hotel within historic fort dating back over 150 years • Mess Hall restaurant (120 covers), Bars and Cabaret club, Lord Nelson pub, four conferencing rooms, Laser battle, roof deck with hot tubs, fire pit, bar and Nordic bothy • Potential to add an additional 9 letting bedrooms • Extensively refurbished in 2015 with approximately £4m spent • Located in the Solent off the coast of the Isle of Wight, access by boat from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth or helicopter • The hotel is available freehold as a going concern business.

The transaction will be structured as a business and asset sale

Guide Price £5m

Horse Sand Fort • 55,000 sq ft approximately • Planning granted in 2004 for conversion into 14 luxury apartments now lapsed.

• Located in the Solent with access by boat from Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth with potential for helipad • Presents the perfect opportunity to create a unique property and preserve an historic landmark • The Fort is available freehold with vacant possession

Guide Price £1m

Contact: alex.macaulay@knightfrank.com +44 203 826 0690 | henry.jackson@knightfrank.com +44 20 7861 1085

Solent Forts Sale They cost the equivalent of ÂŁ111m to build in 1880; the guide price is just ÂŁ11m today

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nyone who has sailed in the eastern Solent or taken a cross channel ferry from Portsmouth will be familiar with the forts. They were commissioned over 150 years ago by British PM Lord Palmerston when there was a real threat of invasion by the French. He was concerned that Portsmouth naval dockyard would be a target so work began on five forts in the 1860s.

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15ft granite walls, armour plating, large stone blocks for foundations laid by divers and bore holes for a water supply. By the time the forts were ready for occupation some 15 years later, the threat of invasion no longer existed and the forts became known as “Palmerston’s follies”.

In 1956 coastal artillery was abolished, leaving the forts empty and unused. They were then put up for sale in 1963 but no one invested until the 1980s. In 2009 work began on transforming Spitbank into a luxury retreat which opened in 2012.

In the same year owner Mike Clare (of the Dreams bedding empire) purchased Horse Sand and No Man’s.

Fortunately for us his motto is “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain”. The forts are now highly successful venues and his vision has been realised.

Today two forts house stunning island

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hotels and have been sympathetically restored. No Man’s and Spitbank forts provide 31 luxurious bedroom suites, restaurants and bars, hot pools, saunas and a spa. Spitbank is 30,000 square foot, No Man’s and Horse Sand are 55,000 square foot each. They are accessed via boat or private helicopter. Horse Sand is in its original condition and is ready for conversion to any number of uses.

The forts are Grade II Listed and an estimated £8m has been spent on their diligent restoration, with no expense spared.

Having done all the hard work and enjoyed them for a few years, Clare now wants the forts to enter a new chapter.

All three are for sale as a whole or individually with a guide price of £11m (or £5m for each of the hotel forts).

Contact Henry Jackson at Knight Frank LLP. Tel: +44 (0) 20 7861 1085 henry.jackson@knightfrank.com

Above: RIBs alongside Spitbank Fort, Above right: No Mand’s Land’s lighthouse area, Bottom right: Victory Bar.

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Photos: contributed

HAVING DONE ALL THE HARD WORK AND ENJOYED THEM FOR A FEW YEARS, MIKE CLARE NOW WANTS THE FORTS TO ENTER A NEW CHAPTER.

“

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Red Jet 7 built on the Isle of Wight

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ed Funnel is the original Isle of Wight ferry operator and currently carries 3.4m passengers and 860,000 vehicles across the Solent each year. Their fast ferry service started in 1969 with the iconic Shearwater hydrofoils which ran until 1999.

The Red Jet catamaran service was introduced in 1991 and their latest addition is the 41 metre, 277 seat Red Jet 7 which, like RJ6, has been built here in Cowes by the Wight Shipyard Company.

Photo: Jake Sugden

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THIS £7M VESSEL HAS FOUR ENGINES TO POWER ITS WATER JETS AND WILL BE ONE OF THE GREENEST SHIPS IN RED FUNNEL’S FLEET

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Above: under construction at Wight Shipyard, above right: first sea trials, bottom right: first launch

This £7m vessel has four engines to power its water jets and will be one of the greenest ships in Red Funnel’s fleet with a host of design features to reduce running costs and protect the environment. Red Jet 7 will be named at a special public ceremony at Trinity Parade in Cowes on 24th July 2018 and will then enter regular service between Southampton and West Cowes.

Red Jet 6 was the first high-speed ferry construction in Britain for 16 years.

Wight Shipyard has since secured a contract from Mexico’s largest ferry operator for two 37m high-speed ferries, the first British vessels to be built for Mexico in living memory. Other Wight Shipyard builds have gone to Loch Ness, two Thames Clippers to London and they have a contract for a high speed river catamaran on the Danube between Vienna and Bratislava. A fabulous local success story from the original Saunders Roe ‘union jack’ building where the SRN.1 hovercraft was developed in the 1950s. www.redfunnel.co.uk www.wightshipyard.com

Photo: Justin Merrigan

Photo: Jake Sugden

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Royal Society of Marine Artists CELEBRATING THE SEA

Free entry for 2

400 works by some of the most celebrated marine artists at work today - from the deep sea to quiet harbours, from super-tankers to sailing dinghies, from all that is beside the sea to what lies under it.

11 to 20 October 2018

The Mall, London SW1 www.mallgalleries.org.uk | www.rsma-web.co.uk Cowes Magazine | cowesmag.com

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Image: Peter Wileman RSMA

Annual Exhibition

Right on the Limit (detail)

Simply take a photo of you with this advert.

Suffolk based Spirit Yachts has pioneered the design and build of modern classics using wood epoxy construction.

With their iconic overhangs, low freeboards and swept teak decks they are poised to lead the way for another 25 years.

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nown for their modern classic beauty and high performance, Spirit yachts leave onlookers mesmerised at marinas around the world. The Suffolk-based boat building company is celebrating a quarter of a century this year and, with a full order book, business has never been better.

From modest beginnings, Spirit Yachts was put on a world stage in 2006 when Daniel Craig famously sailed one of their modern classic yachts through Venice in James Bond’s Casino Royale. Since then, the company has gone from strength to strength and their yard currently has in build a Spirit 111’, a groundbreaking 34m superyacht and the P70, a sleek power yacht as well as a 65 Deckhouse and a 50’ Cruiser Racer.

Keen sailors and talented yacht builders, Sean McMillan and partner Michael Newman built the first Spirit 37’ in a redundant farm building 25 years ago. Founded with an ambition to design and build

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beautifully crafted yachts, a wood epoxy construction was the perfect solution for creating incredibly strong, yet lightweight yachts.

Sean comments: “Looking back, you can really appreciate how far Spirit Yachts has come in recent years. We’re currently building the 111’, the largest single-masted wooden yacht since the 1930’s, a landmark build in wooden boat building and an exciting time in the company’s history. It is a wonderful way to celebrate 25 years in business.”

After winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2008, Spirit Yachts has continued to grow fast and recently doubled its team and waterside premises in Ipswich.

Notable builds include 2007’s impressive 30.6m superyacht, Gaia and last year the unique 52’ Oui Fling launched to much acclaim on the regatta circuit, an elegant and lightweight modern racing boat that blew the competition away.

at 25

Photo by Tim Wright

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Far left: 111 structure Left: Sean McMillan Below: Spirit 111 Photos: Mike Bowden

While the design of every build has remained true to Spirit Yachts’ iconic style and focus on performance, cuttingedge technology is now at the forefront of the business. The drive to create technically advanced yachts that look beautiful, perform to the highest level is all done with the in-house design team which allows clients to enjoy a seamless service.

Nigel Stuart is Spirit Yachts’ managing director. “Technology is the ideal bedfellow to traditional wooden boat building, and we use state of the art techniques to create strong, but lightweight yachts,” said Nigel. “From backwinding captive winches that can be operated with the push of a button to fully automated in-boom furling

sails that allow the mainsail to be raised and lowered by wireless remote, we can improve sailing performance without compromising on classic elegance and style.”

With a growing order book the future looks bright for Spirit Yachts as they head into the next 25 years building world-class beautiful modern classic yachts that never fail to turn heads. www.spirityachts.com

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Charters: Family days, Corporate fun and . . .

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Jet Ski Adventures on the East Wight

Please quote Yoyo

UKSA Turns

30 Above & Below: UKSA students take to the water. Photos: contributed.

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he United Kingdom Sailing Academy have just celebrated their 30th anniversary as the largest maritime training school in the world. As well as providing excellent opportunities for professional development, they offer a huge variety of training courses and activities for all age ranges and abilities.

Situated on a large waterfront site just south of Medina Yard in Cowes, they have extensive accommodation, in-house catering, a bar, indoor heated pool, study area and a dedicated children’s zone.

For leisure sailors, UKSA offers recreational RYA yachting courses, sailing, navigation, powerboat and instructor training. If you’re looking

for school holiday entertainment, they have fantastic on-the-water holiday clubs, individual fun days and weeklong seasonal camps involving dinghy sailing, SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), kayaking, windsurfing, raft building and wet team games.

School leavers aged over 16 can do workrelated courses leading to Level 3 BTEC qualifications and for those over 18 they provide serious alternatives to university which lead to careers in yachting, watersports, hospitality and the wider maritime industry. Craig Walsh, former UKSA student comments “I feel that finally I’m doing something rather than just dreaming”. www.uksa.org Cowes Magazine | cowesmag.com

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Photos: contributed.

Some useful tips & tricks for keeping your ropes in shape for safe sailing!

If in doubt, always check with your local rigger and chandlery.

T

he most common causes for ropes to fail are usually as a result of the following, either collectively or in isolation.

• Chafe • Cutting • Damage in clutches, wearing in winches • Chemical damage, UV degradation • Fatigue • Tensile overload

It is worth remembering that a percentage of strength in your rope will be lost when a rope is terminated, either in the form of a knot, lashing or splice.

Knots

Knots are a very common way of terminating a rope, however significant strength is lost when ropes are knotted.

• Nylon/polyester ropes lose 50% strength • Covered high strength ropes lose 60% strength • Uncovered high strength ropes lose 70% strength

Actual figures will vary depending on rope type, size and the knot quality.

If you do decide to use a knot, we recommend the following ‘Magnificent Seven’ which can be used to solve almost any rope problem. If you only learn one knot, a Figure 8 is likely to be the most useful to you.

• Figure 8 • Alpine butterfly • Reef knot • Sheet bend • Clove hitch

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• Round turn & 2 half hitches • Prusik knot

When knotting a rope, strength is lost due to:

• D:d ratio – (the diameter of the bend compared with the diameter of the rope) • Compression • Friction • Twist

Collectively, this will affect the performance of the rope and specifically in high performance ropes where exotic fibres are often used such as Dyneema or Technora. This is due to the longer braided angles created when they are constructed and the fact that high performance fibres are low-stretch and therefore unable to accommodate the distortion created when using a knot. To avoid a lack of strength you must make allowances for strength reduction and as a rule, we recommend splicing over knotting.

Splices

In almost all cases a splice is stronger than a knot, with only 10-15% strength lost. Splicing is a rewarding skill to learn that will lengthen the life of your rope significantly. We provide various tutorials to demonstrate the following splices, in addition to supplying splicing kits and publishing a step by step Splicing Guide instruction manual which are all available from your local Marlow stockist.

A good way to start splicing is usually

with the D12 Bury Splice (this can develop into the D12 Locking Eye Splice) or the 3 Strand Eye Splice.

Recommended Marlow splices: • D2 Eyesplice • Doublebraid • Marlowbraid • D12 Locking Eye Splice • D2 Taper • 3 Strand Eye Splice

When splicing, it is worth remembering to avoid:

• Short tails which results in the splice slipping and pulling apart.

• Poor tapers – a splice typically falls at the taper, learning to taper well is the difference between 10% and 20% reduction in strength.

• Do not rely on ‘Brummel’ locks in 12 strand ropes – this can reduce strength by approximately 30-50%.

For further information about rope care and splicing please visit www. marlowropes.com Marlow Ropes is the UK leading manufacturer of high performance ropes, supplied worldwide. Marlow have been making ropes for the Leisure Marine industry in the UK since 1807 and have a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the innovation, construction and development of rope in all its’ applications. Marlow Ropes are the official rope supplier to the British Sailing Team, US Sailing Team, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and Ineos Team UK.

Made in the UK Since 1807

TECHNICALLY BETTER. SUPERIOR ROPE FOR EVERY APPLICATION

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Available in Cowes & Southampton through spencerrigging.co.uk

Search for stockists worldwide at marlowropes.com #riggedbymarlow

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11/06/2018 12:00 Cowes Magazine | cowesmag.com

Before the storm: Green palms at Long Bay

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After Irma The BVI charter yacht fleets are back, better than ever.

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The Baths, February 2018.

SAIL BVI ONCE, SAIL FOR LIFE. Go full speed ahead and let the freedom of the British Virgin Islands fill your sail.

Comfortably charter a yacht or catamaran, or bring your own craft. Bareboat or crewed, the choice is yours. Some 600 nautical miles and 60 islands await you in the BVI.

BVITOURISM.CO.UK | +44 (0) 207-355-9585 Tortola | Virgin Gorda | Jost Van Dyke | Anegada | Cooper Island | Guana Island Little Thatch | Necker Island | Norman Island | Peter Island | Saba Rock | Scrub Island

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Above: Cooper Island Beach Club after reopening in April 2018, right: paradise on the road to recovery. Photos contributed by The Moorings

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IT IS ESTIMATED THAT OVER 70% OF BUILDINGS WERE DAMAGED AND THE MAJORITY OF THE YACHTING FLEET SUNK OR DESTROYED.

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he British Virgin Islands have always been a sailor’s paradise.

Ideal sailing conditions and consistent trade winds encourage exploration of the 60 magical islands and cays. But with paradise also comes danger.

The Caribbean hurricane season typically runs from June to November so we are officially in the 2018 window. The carnage from last September is still very evident in the BVI with much rebuilding still to do. Two category five hurricanes, Irma and Maria arrived just after a major flooding event and Irma, with sustained winds speeds of 185 mph gusting to over 220 mph, made an unprecedented direct hit on Tortola. She was the second most powerful Atlantic hurricane ever recorded.

It is estimated that over 70% of buildings were damaged and the majority of the yachting fleet sunk or destroyed. There are photos of a 65’ catamaran on top of a building in Soper’s Hole Marina and cars flung hundreds of feet up hillsides. With significant damage to essential infrastructure the BVI had a mountain to climb to complete its recovery. New Governor Gus Jaspert had a baptism of fire as he had only been in the job a few weeks but he shone with his enthusiastic and practical approach. First on the scene was The Royal Navy who restored order and distributed essential supplies and manpower. Since then great progress has been made over the last nine months and many UK based fundraising events such as Sail Aid have helped contribute to the relief effort.

Sail Aid UK mounted a hard-hitting awareness campaign and organised a fundraising dinner for 190 at Sir Ben Ainslie’s America’s Cup Cowes Magazine | cowesmag.com

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Above: Sail Aid UK, left: Nanny Cay marina post-Irma (May 2018), photo by Alastair Abrehart, right: Simon Shaw and family, below: a Moorings catamaran, photos contributed.

HQ in Portsmouth last November.

Peta Stuart-Hunt, a Sail Aid trustee, commented “we raised a staggering £46,000 in one evening and funds have now been approved for sailing-related regeneration projects across some of the worst hit islands including the VI Sloop Foundation, VISAR (Virgin Islands Search and Rescue), Adopt-a-Roof BVI as well as other projects in St Maarten, Anguilla and Barbuda”.

Richard Roberts, CEO of TheYachtMarket.com commented on their support of Sail Aid UK “The pleasure these beautiful islands give us is immense and it’s incredibly important to support these communities and to help them rebuild their lives and economies in the years ahead”.

While land-based tourism has been pretty badly hit, with most of the major hotels closed for at least a year, the yacht charter industry has shown impressive resilience to ensure that tourism continued in the BVI. Many operators such as The Moorings were

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able to swiftly restore their fleets, with replacement yachts arriving within a month of the storm and most are expecting to be at or near full strength for the 2018/19 winter season. This year the majority of tourists to the BVI will be as a result of the efforts made by the charter sector and will be treated to some shiny new yachts.

The Moorings base reopened on 9 December 2017 just 3 months after Irma. They told us: “Many guests who have chartered a yacht since the recent hurricanes have found the experience just as magical as before. The water clarity and snorkelling is still fantastic and many bars and restaurants have reopened. Chartering, whether bareboat or skippered, sail or power, gives the ultimate freedom and exploring by boat is still the best way to experience the BVI. You can snorkel in the caves at Norman Island, explore the Baths on Virgin Gorda, lunch on fresh lobster in Anegada, or sip a Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar Bar in White Bay. The BVI has something for everyone”.

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IT’S OUR FIRST TRIP SAILING TOGETHER AND IT’S BEEN ACCESSIBLE AND EASY.

Simon Shaw, double world match racing champion, recently visited with his family sailing a Moorings 4500 catamaran. “It’s our first trip sailing together and it’s been accessible and easy.

Seeing Ita enjoy the ocean for the first time has been totally gorgeous.”

Many others have confirmed that the sailing is still spectacular and the chances of picking up a mooring ball at popular locations like The Baths are much improved. Familiar haunts such as the infamous William Thornton party boat are back in business, even though the ‘Willy T’ has moved from The Bight to Great Harbour on Peter Island and over on Jost Van Dyke the Soggy Dollar, Foxy’s and Hendo’s Hideout are in full swing. But there are still some key assets yet to recover such as Soper’s Hole and The Bitter End Yacht Club. Nanny Cay marina has not only recovered but expanded with a new outer marina basin.

For comprehensive information on all open venues consult BVItraveller.com There are some great charter deals to

be had and online booking engine www.latesail.com has a vast selection.

Yachting Monthly are Latesail fans: “At the touch of a button a world-wide listing of late and discounted offers, from leading charter firms.” If you want to charter direct then peer-topeer platform South Sea Charter has yachts of all sizes in locations around the world.

Interestingly, the fall out from Irma has improved activity in the property sector as many buyers sense that now is a good opportunity, particularly as many owners with damaged homes are looking to exit having settled their insurance claims. Edward Childs from top BVI estate agents Smiths Gore notes “the hurricane has opened up the possibilities for investors to acquire property in the BVI at lower values in an ‘as seen’ condition resulting from hurricane damage. We have noticed many local investors stepping into the market and being very active particularly in the sub $1M range.”

Looking forward, and barring another

catastrophic storm event this year, the BVI is anticipating that recovery efforts on terra firma will speed up as insurance funds start to flow through the economy and the BVI Government benefits from international recovery loans. The cruise ship and yacht charter industries should continue to grow although it will be sometime before the smart resorts are in a position to reopen. However Cooper Island Beach Club has been open since April and Richard Branson’s Necker Island is taking bookings for October onwards. www.themoorings.co.uk www.sailaiduk.com www.smithsgore.com www.bvitraveller.com www.latesail.com www.southseacharter.co.uk

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on the water

U N F O R G E T TA B L E M O M E N T S

38 Cowes Magazine | cowesmag.com

Call 033 0332 1505 moorings.co.uk

Imagine waking up on your own private yacht, surrounded by glistening turquoise oceans and miles of white sands. Step through your convertible salon, up the stairs to bask in the glorious Caribbean rays. Breakfast is served. With endless sailing opportunities waiting just across the horizon, take the helm and savour every moment with The Moorings.

For more than 49 years The Moorings have provided luxury yachting holidays in over 20 of the world’s best cruising grounds. Encouraging generations of adventurous travellers from all walks of life to explore undiscovered charters, The Moorings offer an exquisite yacht charter experience that’s second to none.

Navy veteran Charlie Cary, founded the company in 1969 built on the values of outstanding service, innovation and passion, transforming the business into the largest fleet in charter industry history.

From state-of-the-art Robertson & Caine catamarans to Beneteau’s award-wining classic monohulls, cast your cares to the wind safe in the knowledge that you’ll set sail on a fully equipped, high-end performance charter. Pushing the boundaries in both intuitive design and technology their fuel-efficient powercats lets you go that bit further on your own clock. If it’s easy tacking and maximum comfort you’re looking for, The Moorings selection of monohulls sets the pace for cruising effortlessly.

When you embark on a Sail or Power Charter with The Moorings, charter planners provide a fully comprehensive travel experience that includes transfers and hotel stays to bookend your charter.

The company also offer full ATOL bonding and complimentary access to No1 lounges in the UK, to start your holiday off on the right note. On arrival at your destination, expect earlier boarding times on the first day with a comprehensive destination chart briefing, personal yacht briefing and doc assistance on The Moorings base, because your time is precious.

Discover your own piece of unspoiled paradise in the British Virgin Islands and St. Martin, the moment you disembark the dock. With many outlying islands in the Caribbean showing remarkable recovery after Hurricane Irma, why not take your time to explore some of the most idyllic anchorages and remarkably pristine beaches that seem to stretch on for eternity. Enjoy unlimited offshore freedom to uncover the turquoise shores of Cane Garden Bay and the colourpopping coral reefs off the coast of Dead Man’s Chest. With over 60 secluded islands and beautiful cays to choose from, there is no better way to explore the maze of pools, granite boulders and grottoes than from the comfort of your own private yacht.

If you’re looking for seamless chartered holidays with unmatched service in world-class destinations, look no further. With new itineraries, 360 tours and galleries there’s never been a better time to compare yacht availability and build your quote online. Experience the true meaning of an unforgettable escape, courtesy of The Moorings.

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The smart way to travel and spend *see website for terms www.swapx.co.uk ww 40 Cowes Magazine | cowesmag.com

Don’t buy travel money, SWAP it!

L

inking consumers together directly and cutting out the middleman is called peer-topeer and it’s all the rage these days.

Cowes Week’s headline sponsor Lendy is a peer-to-peer property investment platform. P2P, as it’s known, works when one person has something that another wants. Technology can connect them with no human involvement so these platforms can be highly scalable.

The downside? It’s a debit card so you can’t use it to hire a car and it can take a few hours to top up with new funds.

But when you pay for your marina berth in Honfleur and the meal ashore at La Fleur de Sel, the money you’ve saved will pay for your morning cafe au lait, which will taste all the better for it. www.swapx.co.uk

Currency is the perfect commodity to swap. Imagine that you come back from holiday with some unspent euros and in the very same airport other people are buying euros at the start of their holiday. The middleman, in this case an airport bureau, is taking up to 10% commission on selling the euros. If you met each other you could just swap at the market rate with zero commission.

SWAPX does this via a multi-currency Mastercard (debit not a credit card) and its own App so you can track your usage, manage expenses and top it up remotely. There is a 1% fee for loading funds and that is it. You can then swap between currencies at any time for free.

Honfleur quayside, France

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The elegant event

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For the fourteenth consecutive year, Officine Panerai is sponsoring the largest international circuit of regattas reserved for classic yachts: the Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge.

Panerai British Classic Week, 14-21 July 2018, is the third of ten events that stretch from New England to the Cote d’Azure and the Solent.

This year the Nab Tower race will be a new addition to the Cowes regatta, taking the fleet east from the Royal Yacht Squadron line to the Nab Tower, then back towards Lymington Bank before finishing back at the RYS. This will take place on Monday 16th July and replaces the Around the Island Race to ensure competitive, but not endurance, racing. This all sounds very civilised as does the later race start-times which will allow time for morning briefings and pre-race socialising.

A daily programme of ‘cruise in company’ events sees the cruising fleet sailing to some pretty locations including Bucklers Hard on the Beaulieu river and Newtown Creek just west of Cowes.

Panerai Yacht Officine Panerai acquired and restored the Bermudan ketch Eilean in 2007. Built in 1936 by the Fife yard at Fairlie in Scotland, she is now the brand’s ambassador at vintage and classic rallies and regattas. Eilean means "little island" in Gaelic. www.paneraiclassicyachtschallenge.com www.britishclassicyachtclub.org/regatta www.eilean.it

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Above: sailing past Alum Bay, middle: Sean McMillan on Flight of Ufford, bottom: party in a private house.

Photos: Chris Brown

14-16

Bespoke paintings

SEPTEMBER

2018

What’s on offer?

• • • • •

Low ‘early bird’ entry fees Free berthing Three days’ great competitive racing Great après-sail hospitality and Regatta Party Trophies and prizes, every day and overall

Joining us?

You’ll find full details in the Notice of Race on www.jerseyregatta.com Email info@jerseyregatta.com for further information.

Original art, commissioned by you.

The perfect gift (for yourself) www.bespoke-paintings.com

High Speed RIB Rides, Charter, RYA Training & More!

We have a range of vessels available to charter • RIBs • Cruisers • Work Boats • Catamarans • Yachts • Modular pontoons

46 Cowes Magazine | cowesmag.com

• • • • • • • • •

Team Building Crew Transfer Film Crews Stag & Hen Parties Safety Boat Corporate Charter Photography Special Events Treasure Hunts

After 25 years’ designing and building beautiful modern classic yachts, Spirit Yachts has become famous for combining elegant style with impressive performance. Each Spirit yacht is built to client specification, whether for racing or blue water cruising.

Come and see us at the BCYC Panerai regatta in Cowes from 14th to 21st July.

w

Offered for sale “ L I F E AQ UAT I C ” 72 f t J o h n B ain - d e s i g n e d S il ve r s B uil t 1952 2016 MY Following a Classic Boat magazine Restoration of the Year-winning keel-up restoration 2015-16 at the yard of Stirling and Son, Plymouth, with interiors furnished and decorated in immaculate taste to designs by Paris-based India Mahdavi, LIFE AQUATIC is now a superior boat both structurally and cosmetically to the one Silvers launched in 1952 as THELMA VI. At 72 feet, she is to the longest model of James A Silver naval architect and managing director John Bain’s renowned Ormidale design series, and has long proved herself as an exceptional sea-boat, including charter work as a steady platform for event filming and viewing with her trusty Gardner diesel engines and Vosper Maxi Fin stabilizers. Now with 3 double cabins, a single, and crew accommodation, LIFE AQUATIC is an incredibly exciting and unique option in turn key condition..

Lying France | €1.2M

For further information please contact: +44 (0)1202 330077 info@sandemanyachtcompany.co.uk

Our classic and vintage yachts & motor yachts are available to view at:

33 High Street, Poole, Dorset BH15 1AB United Kingdom

– www.sandemanyachtcompany.co.uk –

MEMBER OF THE ABYA

Life Aquatic T

Transformation of Cowes yacht into a Cote d’Azure belle

Above: Will Stirling delivering Life Aquatic to Monaco, credit: Will Stirling

helma VI was a familiar sight in Cowes. 72 feet of classic motor yacht, she was designed by John Bain and built in 1952 at Silver’s in Scotland.

She apparently featured in Howard’s Way, the BBC yachting soap and, after many years “looking sad chained to an East Cowes pontoon”, she was bought

by Gary Newnham in 1993. His family used and loved her for the next 20 years and she became “almost the floating clubhouse” for the British Classic Yacht Club: “At regattas we would have people sleeping on board and we would take people out to watch the racing.” But Gary was conscious she needed a lot of work which he couldn’t afford, so he sold

her to the current owner in 2014.

And that’s where our story begins...

Her new owner is passionate about design, traditional skills and doing things properly and has said “seeing people produce and craft beautiful things is extraordinary and such a joy”.

This is fortunate as, after surveys and exploration at specialist boatyard Stirling & Son in Plymouth, her ‘refurbishment’ soon became a rebuild. The team, which included classic yacht broker Barney Sandeman as the owner’s project manager, decided to remove the entire deck, take the boat back to a bare hull and then replace some of its component parts.

Half of the planking and half the steamed oak ribs were replaced and the superstructure (which wasn’t original) was too poor to save so it was rebuilt in the 1973 style. The original windows were refurbished and reused. Every bolt in the boat was changed and she was completely refastened.

The owner’s favourite designer, India Mahdavi, was asked to create the interior and Adam Scott-Mackie at Dubois Cowes Magazine | cowesmag.com

49

Naval Architects ‘marinised’ India’s work into a CAD format that the boatyard could use. Ed Dubois’ enthusiastic personal involvement was poignant as this was one of his last projects before his untimely death. The final interior layout is not dissimilar to the original at the insistence of both India and the owner.

The interior joinery is oak and the grain was deliberately not filled to avoid a ‘perfect, almost plastic’ finish. A few of

”

HER NEW OWNER IS PASSIONATE ABOUT DESIGN, TRADITIONAL SKILLS AND DOING THINGS PROPERLY

“

50 Cowes Magazine | cowesmag.com

the original parts of the interior have been saved, including the flag stowage locker in the wheelhouse. Other details include Tibetan carpets, Normandy handmade tiles in the heads, and upholstery made by Sanders Sails of Lymington. The Gardner engines were taken back to ‘zero hours’ and reinstalled in a newly laid-out engine room and, in less than two years, Life Aquatic was relaunched on 23rd May 2016. Yard owner Will Stirling personally delivered her down to Monaco which is very similar to Cowes, just warmer...

The delighted owner said “I am so lucky to have spent two years working with someone of Will’s talent and it has been extraordinary to see him bring on his apprentices, which wasn’t something I really thought about when I bought the boat. It’s been such a privilege.”

For a woman who once said “I think a man’s shirt on a woman is the sexiest thing in the world”, her ownership of a

Above: work at Stirling & Son, photos contributed.

Top: new interior, middle: new superstructure, bottom: revived hull, photos: contributed.

‘Gentleman’s yacht’ must be off the scale.We applaud her diligent restoration of this beautiful boat.

Life Aquatic won Stirling & Son the Classic Boat magazine Restoration of the Year 2015/16 and she is currently for sale via Sandeman Yacht Company. www.sandemanyachtcompany.co.uk www.stirlingandson.co.uk www.india-mahdavi.com

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Cockwells’ award winning Duchy 35

M

ylor based boatbuilders Cockwells have won the 2018 Motor Boat Award for their elegant Duchy 35 which was launched at last year’s Southampton Boat Show.

”

A BOAT THAT HAS THE RETRO APPEAL OF A WOODEN LAUNCH, YET ALL THE EQUIPMENT AND COMFORT OF A MODERN 40FT CRUISER.

“

Duchy motor launches are classicallydesigned, handcrafted, semi-production vessels that are created by Cockwells’ skilled craftsmen whose design flair, expertise and exacting standards are second-to-none. Built in low maintenance composites, these launches can be customised with a seemingly infinite number of optional extras: from teak decks and leather seating to bespoke crockery and glassware in tailor-made stowage.

The judges also highlighted the boat’s “elegant styling, married to a sturdy displacement hull and a beautifully hand-crafted interior with its sumptuous handmade cabinets and thoughtful detailing that will ensure this boat stands the test of time.” They also described the Duchy 35 as “a shining example of traditional and contemporary working together to create a boat that has the

retro appeal of a wooden launch, yet all the equipment and comfort of a modern 40ft cruiser.”

One Cockwells fan is Toby Ashworth, owner of The Nare, the fabulous ‘hotel by the sea’ in Cornwall. In 2014 he bought Alice Rose, a 38’ motor launch, in Cowes. “We can now take hotel guests out on the Fal and Helford Rivers and in Carrick Roads. Her wooden hull and topsides, the sweep of her saloon and the generous cockpit make her a very suitable vessel. Two powerful 265hp engines and modern functionality do not compromise her delightfully pretty lines. Our guests love her”.

A Yarmouth based owner who has had three Duchys of various sizes added “the boats are extremely well built and thoroughly tested pre-delivery so we have never had issues”. www.cockwells.co.uk www.narehotel.co.uk

”

THE TEAM WILL USE THE BEST OF BRITISH INNOVATION TO DESIGN AND BUILD TWO 75 FOOT FOILING MONOHULLS (AC75).

“

I

NEOS TEAM UK, representing Royal Yacht Squadron Racing, have officially entered the 36th America's Cup in their bid to win sport's oldest international trophy for Britain in 2021. Using the experience of their 2017 attempt as Land Rover BAR, newly formed INEOS TEAM UK has 70 staff, including Team Principal and Skipper, Ben Ainslie and a £110m war chest, backed by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Cup is ultimately a design and technology race and the team will use the best of British innovation to design and build two 75 foot foiling monohulls (AC75s).

There will be global America’s Cup World Series events (held in 2019 and 2020), a Prada Christmas Cup (Dec 2020 / Jan 2021) and a Challenger series ( Jan / Feb 2021). AC36 takes place in Auckland in 2021.

The team is committed to supporting the next generation through the INEOS Rebels programme, which provides a structured pathway for young sailors aged 19-24 into the America’s Cup. The INEOS Rebels youth squad receive mentoring and support from senior sailors and are currently racing on the seven venue Extreme Sailing Series circuit. After Portugal in July they travel to Cardiff to race between 24th-27th August.

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AC36

Ineos Team UK

Left: Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Ben Ainslie, bottom left: New AC75, bottom right: team racing (all contributed by INEOS TEAM UK) below: Jo Grindley, photo by HarryKH

Local Hero

Naturally Sir Ben Ainslie and his team’s sponsors get the limelight but there would be no team without Cowes resident and human dynamo Jo Grindley.

She too is a top class sailor and competed on the International Match Racing Circuit for 4 years with double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson; they were number one in the world for over 12 months.

She has helped Ainslie to find sponsors and coordinate his sporting and business life for some 20 years. But in 2013 they had just two months to raise £15m on top of the £10m pledged by original backers Sir Charles Dunstone and Sir Keith Mills. Land Rover BAR and INEOS Team UK would never have happened without her.

Jo is currently responsible for commercial strategy and delivery, sales, marketing, events and communications for INEOS Team UK as well as owning Cowes marketing agency Into The Blue. She commutes daily to Portsmouth on the hovercraft from Ryde. www.ineosteamuk.com www.intotheblue.biz Cowes Magazine | cowesmag.com

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Richard Hadida reveals plans for his new ‘family’

O

yster Yachts was saved in March by tech-entrepreneur Richard Hadida, but what inspired him to buy it?

Richard loves sailing his Oyster 885, yet he freely admits that he has no direct experience of running a yacht manufacturer. He currently employs over 3,500 people at Evolution Gaming, is adept at building and leading a motivated team and will “apply lots of commercial acumen and common sense”. However this is no corporate raid; he sees his role as a “custodian” and is involved on a daily basis: “I believe we must save this great British brand and nurture Oyster for the long term".

”

I BELIEVE WE MUST SAVE THIS GREAT BRITISH BRAND AND NURTURE OYSTER FOR THE LONG TERM.

“

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Plans include refining the range, decreasing delivery times and introducing a forty-ish foot model, affectionately known as ‘Baby Oyster’ so that potential owners can start their Oyster journey sooner.

Another key objective is to tighten up the finances. Yacht builders are notorious for making wonderful products without paying proper attention to costs. Chief Financial Officer Becky Bridgen, who helped to mastermind the successful bid, comes direct from accountants PWC and brings 28 years of financial experience to Oyster. Another PWC deployment joining the team is Chief Operating Officer Kim Stubbs who was key to the successful turnaround of Sunseeker.

Design is also a vital element and the technical sailing aspects are overseen by board member and renowned naval architect Rob Humphreys who will work alongside the inhouse Oyster design team.

Chief Commercial Officer Paul Adamson, a highly respected motivational business speaker & consultant, has a long standing connection with Oyster. Having skippered various Oysters, including Eddie Jordan’s 885 ‘Lush’ around-the-world on the inaugural Oyster World Rally, Paul was a natural fit to head up the sales & marketing side of the business. Jordan is also on the board.

Richard Hadida is keen to emphasise that Oyster is a family and explains there are three ‘pillars’ of Oyster: “quality, technical support for owners via after sales care and family, which includes both staff and owners alike”.

Having a young family himself, he wants events to be scheduled during school holidays and to have a more relaxed atmosphere with low key racing by day and parties and beach barbeques by night. The next regatta in Palma (which was already in the diary) is a case in point as it’s between 30th September - 4th October 2018. Caribbean meets will be in Antigua (2019) and the BVI (2020).

Owners can also join the Oyster World Rally, which is a fully-supported 27,000 mile circumnavigation, comprising four connecting stages. The current one has 29 yachts and started from Antigua in 2017; as we write, the fleet are in Australia. The next World Rally has just been announced for 2021-2024 so you can easily order your yacht now and take part… www.oysteryachts.com

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Clockwise from above: Richard Hadida, Oyster 885 'Lush' under spinnaker, an example of an Oyster interior. Photos, contributed.

Land Yachts M

ost of Cowes Magazine is devoted to life on the water but how about exploring the beautiful Isle of Wight on land in a classic VW campervan? With a career running charter yachts in the Caribbean, Will and Jubee Samuelson’s fleet of immaculate retro campers (plus a couple of modern T5s) benefit from their incredibly high standards and we doubt that any other fleet of campers in the UK is this well looked-after.

Based in Fishbourne Quay near the Wightlink car ferry terminal, you can rent a camper just for the weekend or plan a week long adventure. We challenge you to have more fun off the water. www.isleofwightcampers.co.uk

Photo: contributed.

Adventure is out there!

Come and discover the beautiful Isle of Wight in a classic 1970s or modern T5 VW Campervan.

Overflowing with character and charm, our lovely campervans are dog friendly and fully equipped with everything you need for your Island adventure.

“HIRE ME”

43 21 64 3 htc 98 01 .uk s.co per am wig eof info@isl www.isleofwightcampers.co.uk

Isle of Wight Campervan Holidays

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@IOWCampervans

Isle of Wight Campervan Holidays

Harbour Sights W

indward, a modern waterside new-build, has a ringside seat right in the heart of Cowes harbour.

You can watch all the comings and goings from your own terrace which leads down to a shared pontoon. If James Bond had a base in Cowes, this would be it.

It is one of two new three storey properties on the site of the Waterside pub (previously the Harbour Lights) and has six double bedrooms, a large living space and a contemporary kitchen and bathrooms; this is a high spec house with underfloor heating and a mechanical heat and ventilation recovery system.

It’s also very accessible being a short walk to the Red Jet ferry (22 minutes to Southampton where trains take just 1 hour 10 minutes to Waterloo). If location is everything then this is the one. £1,625,000 - contact Charles Spence cowes@spencewillard.co.uk

The Agent Spence Willard sell some gorgeous properties all over the Isle of Wight. Set up

by Charles Spence and Duncan Willard in 2012 they have several offices including a brand new location on Cowes High Street. www.spencewillard.co.uk

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Clockwise: from the pontoon, the view, master bedroom, living space.

Photos: contributed.

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The AWARDS 2018

SHORTLISTED

Lendy CEO Liam Brooke, Lendy Operations Manager Pamela Guillamón and IOW MP Bob Seely

A

Lendy Innovations

s the new title sponsor for Cowes Week in 2017, last year was about establishing the Lendy brand, immersing themselves in the event - both on and off the water - and trying their best to do the prestigious regatta proud.

This year CEO Liam Brooke and his team want to showcase Lendy and the new fintech sector they occupy. They are keen to inject energy, passion and fresh ideas into Cowes Week to help engage, educate and entertain a much larger group of visitors as well as growing their investor and borrower community.

This year Lendy have chosen to support some causes they believe will benefit the regatta.

Their sponsorship of Lendy Ladies’ Day 2018 is an opportunity to celebrate Britain’s greatest female sailors and recognise the outstanding contribution of women in sailing.

Lendy are one of the UK’s leading P2P (peer to peer) investment platforms and they have a close affinity with the emerging music scene, especially bands that rely on crowdfunding (which is peer-to-peer investment support). Paul

Riddell, Lendy’s head of marketing, says: “Many bands now manage themselves as businesses, and they use community funding and social media to grow their brand. We are keen to bring the spirit of P2P investment into the DNA of the shoreside activities and for our sponsorship of the Lendy Parade Stage to make a real difference.”

You can watch The Lendy New Generation Music Stage on Wednesday 8th August.

Other initiatives include collaborating with the 1851 Trust, running four of their Next Generation ‘STEM’ workshops (science, technology, engineering and maths) from the Lendy Lounge and hosting a charity auction on Monday 6th August. And for the first time Cowes TV will be broadcast from the title sponsor’s lounge on The Parade, which Lendy hopes will create a buzz for visitors, showing interviews with celebrities, competitors, organisers and sponsors taking place in public view.

What do Lendy do?

Based in Southsea and founded in

For Cowes Week 2018 2012, Lendy is one of the UK’s leading specialist investment platforms.

Their aim is make investing in property easy with average returns of between 7-12% pa. Clients can choose which specific project they wish to invest in by viewing the live listings on its website.

No loan is more than 70% of the value and Lendy typically takes first charge over the asset. While capital is at risk, this helps to mitigate investment risk.

Lendy also offers fast, flexible and competitive loans to SME property developers, who are helping to overcome the current house-building crisis.

Paul Riddell explains: "In very simple terms, we’re like an online dating site.

Only in this case we match people who want to lend funds directly to people who want to borrow, via our online property platform”.

Lendy facilitates funding for a wide range of property development and refurbishment projects across the the UK and each one is assessed by Lendy's team of commercial lending experts. www.lendy.co.uk Cowes Magazine | cowesmag.com

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Bath Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, PO31 7QN 01983 281414 www.kendallsfineart.co.uk

Coast & Country | bilesandco.co.uk

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Best of Cowes C

owes is thriving. It is home to a unique mix of residents and local yachting visitors who are joined by London weekenders, international race crews and regatta guests. With a selection of the world’s most prestigious yacht clubs, Cowes High Street can be a sight to behold in summer: a mix of red trousers, naval uniforms and ball gowns.

One of Cowes’ unique features is a distinct lack of chain stores. The shops and restaurants are, in the main, private businesses run with a real passion. For a comprehensive guide to all local shops, bars and marine services, pick up the Cowes Handbook which is published by the Harbour Commission; we have selected a few of the places we like in this feature.

Photo: dining at North House

Left: Coast Bar after its recent refurbishment, above: cocktails from Gastronomy

Eating out

Mojacs won Les Routiers Restaurant of the Year 2013, a staggering accolade for a family-run local eatery. Coast Bar was in the Sunday Times Top 25 best brunch spots; they also do fabulous pizzas and have a great atmosphere, day and night.

Another ‘must visit’ is the Little Gloster in Gurnard Marsh. It’s a ten minute cab ride but has a lovely waterside setting and superb food with a Scandi twist; the picture perfect sunsets are free.

For the best foodie Instagram account, follow @Gastronomy, a new venture on the site of The Grill. For epic hamburgers, visit the Harbour Kitchen.

Every seaside town needs a good fish ‘n’ chip shop and Cowes has several. Corrie’s Cabin is famous for its Christmas specials which include battered Brussels sprouts (which is no surprise as owner Richard Quigley is a regular on the local comedy circuit). There is also a new bakery, Richmonds, in Bath Road where celebrity chef James Martin was recently spotted enjoying a coffee and some cake. www.thecoastbar.co.uk www.thelittlegoster.com www.richmondsbakery.co.uk

”

COAST BAR WAS IN THE SUNDAY TIMES TOP 25 BEST BRUNCH SPOTS.

“ Drinking

Cowes has lots of pubs to choose from and The Anchor is always popular due to their vibrant live music scene. For watching the boats go by, The Globe and The Yachtsman on The Parade have a ringside Solent view, but Cowes Yacht Haven has a new summer pop-up on its marina-facing upper deck, serving food and drinks at weekends. There is also an Ale House on Shooter’s Hill, opposite Coast Bar.

Yacht Clubs

The best place to watch the racing is from the many private yacht clubs. The Island Sailing Club is actively seeking members and has a great first floor bar and restaurant with a huge balcony.

The Royal Yacht Squadron is the senior club; their manicured lawn and Pavilion are often the setting for regatta drinks parties. The Royal London, RORC/ Royal Corinthian all have a great view of the Solent while the locals' yacht club, Cowes Corinthian, overlooks the Yacht Haven. www.islandsc.org.uk/join

you may have guessed, sells the coolest toys and clothes for kids. One of the smallest shops in town is Joli on the corner in Bath Road which has some lovely ceramics, tea towels and ‘gorgeous things’. www.kendallsfineart.co.uk

Left: PHG (contributed)

Shopping

Kendalls Fine Art showcases some of the best contemporary marine paintings and sculptures from their modern showroom between Bath Road and The Parade.

PHG, run by a couple of talented interior designers, stocks very cool homewares and, for beautiful gifts, head straight to Live Like This which Coast Magazine voted one of the “10 Best Shops By The Sea”. They also own Buff which is THE place for kitchen gadgets and ‘man gifts’.

Junior sibling Little Live Like This, as

Cowes also has a great selection of yachting shops with technical clothing at Musto, Helly Hansen, Henri Lloyd, Toio and Zhik. The famous chandlery emporium Pascal Atkey has been joined

by Jolliffe’s Chandlery in Birmingham Road. Between them they will have pretty much everything you might need.

Casual clothing brands Fat Face, White Stuff, Joules and Quba are complemented by sophisticated ladies fashion boutique True Style. For your crew shirts, bags and branded wear, Paul Bertie is your man at World Leisurewear (formally Ocean World which was located where funky new restaurant Gastronomy is now).

Other shops worth a visit are Staples and Green, purveyors of stylish enamelware and ‘seagrass chic’ and marine ephemera store Kirby’s of Cowes which has moved to the High Street. www.worldleisurewear.net www.staplesandgreen.co.uk

“Local ingredients prepared in a skilful kitchen for an Isle of Wight meets Copenhagen vibe” Jamie Oliver Magazine

“Great food, perfect organisation and a lovely evening all round” Jay Rayner

“The glass encased dining room of this fun loving restaurant with rooms buzzes with life” Fiona Duncan - The Telegraph

“Run by young husband and wife team, vibe is refreshingly unstuffy. The food & service is always superb and you can’t beat its waterside location” Coast Magazine

just five minutes from cowes | reservations recommended The Little Gloster, 31 Marsh Road, Gurnard, Isle of Wight, PO31 8JQ 01983 298776 | info@thelittlegloster.com | www.thelittlegloster.com

Proud to have been supporting Cowes town and its sailing community for nearly 50 years

Events Weddings Regattas & Rallies Spectacular Location

+44 (0)1983 299975 www.cowesyachthaven.com

Marina & Boatyard Winter Berthing & Storage Loyalty Scheme

Sailing Photography Archive back to the 1880s

www.beken.co.uk For free proofs of a particular yacht, just leave your details on our BOATSEARCH page & we will make a search in our photographic Archives

16 Birmingham Rd. Cowes, PO31 7BH

Telephone: 01983 297 311

Left: North House, below: Becalmed treatment room.

Photos: contributed.

Sleeping

West Cowes now has a world class boutique hotel. The sister company to Coast Bar, North House hotel in Market Hill has seen an avalanche of critical praise since it opened in July 2016.

Owners Luke and Lewis have hosted ‘A List’ film stars who were filming at Osborne House and are justifiably proud that they own the only hotel on the Isle of Wight listed on Mr & Mrs Smith, an invitation-only collection of hotels around the world with just 135 in the UK. North House is also an oasis of calm for lunch or dinner with a sunny terrace and a sophisticated bar and lounge.

Other popular places to stay are The Caledon Guest House and Villa Rothsay Hotel. www.northhousecowes.co.uk

Wellbeing Party Venues

Being a regatta hub there are many parties in Cowes. If you are planning your own, here are some of the venues you can choose.

For big events: The Cowes Yacht Haven Event Centre with its great location and in-house catering (100-350 guests).

For flexibility and manicured lawns, Northwood House is versatile and traditional (10-500 guests). If you want a unique nautical twist, the Sir Max Aitken Museum is perfect (30-120 guests). A newish venue is the recently restored Sugar Store in Shepards Wharf (30-200).

For unisex hair we love Charlotte’s Academy in Birmingham Road, which is opposite Becalmed, a Medi-Spa with natural products, remedies and treatments that will leave you both looking and feeling better. If you pull a muscle out on the water and need physiotherapy, www.physio-care.com are excellent and have a treatment room in Ward Avenue.

www.cowesyachthaven.com Cowes Magazine | cowesmag.com

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RYA Training

UKSA offer numerous training courses for amateurs and professionals alike.

Rebel Marine have just opened a well equipped classroom in the Yacht Haven for Powerboat and a range of other courses. Bembridge Powerboat Training also offer courses in Bembridge and Cowes. Both of these companies offer RIB hire and rides at events.

Flying Fish offer a 16 week Yachtmaster Ocean course in Sydney for £11,423.

Meanwhile Red Ensign Maritime Training have a 24 cabin ship 'Sea Trident' where you can stay while you do your course. www.uksa.org www.rebelmarine.co.uk

www.bembridgepowerboattraining.com

Provisioning Culture

Classic Boat Museum has sites in both East and West Cowes. You can walk to Medina Yard and view Land Rover BAR’s first test boat T1, a foiling AC45 catamaran, or nip over to East Cowes on the new chain ferry and see a well curated display of boatbuilding history in The Columbine Building. Current boss Mark McNeill has ambitious plans to create a one site National Classic Boat Museum as part of the big redevelopment in Medina Yard.

Cowes also hosts The Isle of Wight Literary Festival from 11th -14th October 2018 at Northwood House.

Last year this attracted speakers such as Polly Toynbee, Simon Heffer and Andrew Marr.

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www.classicboatmuseum.com www.isleofwightliteraryfestival.com

Toby’s of Cowes is a great little cheese shop run by an enthusiastic team. We recommend Isle of Wight Blue. For fine wines, Wine Therapy are amazing. They have 4 specialist sampling machines each containing 8 different wines, gins & whiskies. They rotate the range allowing customers to try from a selection of 32 different wines at any one time.

For the cost-conscious skipper, there is an Aldi supermarket just opposite the Park and Ride on the outskirts of town.

Above: UKSA on the Solent. Photo contributed.

ONE REEF DOWN – A SOLENT ONE-DESIGN ON A BREEZY DAY IN THE SOLENT

oil on canvas

Like many of the best marine artists, Martyn Mackrill is a keen yachtsman. Born on the Isle of Wight, the son of a marine engineer in the Merchant Navy, Mackrill’s grandfather owned a fleet of trawlers, and he spent his formative years around boats and harbours.

Martyn Mackrill is now accepted among the foremost marine artists of his generation. For the sake of all who love the sea as she really is, may his brushes long continue to weave their magic amidst the everchanging waves.

Martyn Mackrill is represented internationally by Messum’s and is currently Honorary Painter to the Royal Yacht Squadron.

102 x 127 cms

401⁄8 x 50 ins

Tom Cunliffe Sailor, Author and Broadcaster

Visit our website to view fur ther works.

28 Cork Street , London W1S 3NG

Tel: +4 4 (0)20 7437 5545

info@messums.com

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THE WORLD IS MY OYSTER

oysteryachts.com +44 (0)23 8083 1000