100 boats, 100 years
by Peta Stuart-Hunt 9 Jun 2011 11:29 BST
6-13 August 2011
A record entry as XOD Class secures billing as largest class racing in Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week
The keelboat class that epitomises the bustle and excitement of Cowes Week as this huge fleet musters on the Royal Yacht Squadron start line each August, has just reached 100 entries. The XODs will be out in force again at this year's Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week...and still more entries are expected!
“This is the largest number of entries we have ever had at Cowes,” comments Class Captain William Norris. “XOD owners don’t want to miss being in the spotlight this year, so they are all keen to join in the celebrations to mark our Centenary; 100 years since the first XOD fleet raced in 1911."
All eyes will be on the class at this world-famous regatta. The 3-man wooden keelboat class is already known as the hardest to win at Cowes because of the large numbers that always enter, and the Captain’s Cup, the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week Class Trophy, is much sought after - and won - by world class sailors and family crews alike.
"100 plus boats on the start line is quite a challenge for any race committee,” comments Stuart Quarrie, the CEO of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, “especially having to consider the other 40 classes racing at the same time. However, we have been working closely with the class and such things as using a committee boat for the outer distance mark on the RYS line rather than the normal fixed ODM, together with a host of other initiatives, should ensure that the XODs have the best possible racing for their Centenary."
In addition to its usual daily racing fixture, the XOD class is staging a special Centenary 3-day ‘regatta within the regatta’ in the middle of the week, sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management, from Tuesday 9th - Thursday 11th August, to celebrate this landmark anniversary. The class is also hosting a number of parties during the week.
Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week runs from 6th-13th August 2011.