Volkswagen Touareg King of Cowes - Runners and Riders

With less than three weeks to the inaugural Volkswagen Touareg King of Cowes at Skandia Cowes Week regatta, predicting the top runners and riders to take the title and drive off in a brand new Volkswagen Touareg is a hard one to call.

On Friday 3rd August 2007, 27 top helmsmen, each class winners at Skandia Cowes Week in 2006, have been specially invited to compete head to head in Laser SB3's to put their skills and Solent know-how to the test in a spectacular three-race regatta. "Every helm has the potential to win," explains David Graham, director of Performance Sailcraft Europe. "With the boats being one-design, we have created a fair playing ground, so it will be down to a combination of tactics, boat handling, wind strength and skill - like all great sailing races."

"Every helm taking part is at the top of their game in their respective class. However, some of the classes they represent may not always give you the full story - expect to see some sparks fly," warns Graham.

Runners and Riders

A snapshot of teams lining up for the Volkswagen Touareg King of Cowes at Skandia Cowes Week Title, shows the diversity of entrants:

J-109 helmsman David Apthorp's challenge looks pretty serious with Geoff Carveth*, recently crowned Volkswagen Touareg European Champion as skipper.

Mike (Moose) Sanderson hopes to represent ABN AMRO 1 on Chris Darling's SB3 - we've heard rumours he has been practicing in an SB3 off Cowes. As team director for TEAMORIGIN™, Mike is one of the world's leading sailors and professional sportsmen in today's sailing world, with vast all-round experience.

Last year's SB3 winner at Skandia Cowes Week, Russell Peters has to be a favourite. Drawn with David Wilkinson and crewed by International 14 sailor Zeb Elliott, we are expecting to see some good results from Russell.

Glynn Williams (Swan Class) has been drawn with SB3 Class secretary Venetia Wingfield. With International 14 sailor Martin Jones as crew, their challenge in the SB3 Allotment Club could be worth watching.

Peter (Basher) Baines (X One Design) may well upset a few youngsters. A former Olympic squad member, renowned Flying Dutchman sailor and America's Cup veteran, Basher has taken more than a few championships in his time and is one of the most successful Solent sailors on the circuit today.

International 14 legend Ray Rouse (Contessa 32) is another marvel. With 60 years sailing experience under his belt, light airs could favour this wily chap whose local knowledge of the Solent is renowned.

BBC Sports presenter Gabby Logan teams up with eleven-times Skandia Cowes Week class winner Graham Bailey (Etchells) on board Laser SB3 Team Touareg with Craig Burlton. Gabby recently attended a SailLaser course in Weymouth to learn to sail an SB3. Click here for a video diary of her quest to conquer an SB3.

Others to look out for include Northern Ireland's Kenny McCullough (Skandia Cowes Week winner in IRM - TP52 "Panthera"), Alistaire Richardson (Extreme 40 "Basilica") and Andy Budgen (Sigma 38 "The Project") crewed by his brother Ian.

"To be honest, you can't write any one off," David Graham considers. "On the day anything could happen - I'm really looking forward to seeing the battle unfold on the water."

The Teams

A draw to match winning helms with qualifying SB3 owners was made on Tuesday 29th May 2007. Qualifying helms were randomly selected to team up with Laser SB3 owners and their boats.

Confirmed Teams: