By Mal Butler
“The build-up was a lot of hard work”, but that hard work has been paying off for the new sailing director of Cowes Week.
Steve Cole’s day job is racing manager for the Royal Ocean Racing Club and has been involved in Cowes Week in various roles in the upper management of the event for the last 10 years. He has moved into this new role after previous Regatta director, Laurence Mead, stepped down last year.
He said: “I’m sharing the role with Bob Trimble, who is chairman of Cowes Week Limited and is looking after the PR and marketing. But we’re hoping to have a new regatta director appointed at some point before 2026 when the event celebrates its 200th anniversary.
“There’s been a lot of hard work in the build-up to the racing but, once it all starts, we’re here to support the event and make sure everyone enjoys being out on the water.
“For the first few day’s this week, things have gone brilliantly although, on Tuesday, there was a lot of sun but, unfortunately, no wind. The plan for the week is defined by the Cowes Week board and my role is to make sure the competitors have the best racing and, for that, I follow the philosophy of the board.
“So far, there have been no problems; the sun and wind is always a good combination for racing and everyone seems happy.”
Looking forward, Steve added: “We need to build up our numbers and make sure everyone has a good time on the water. We have 404 entries this year, which is about the same as last year and an achievement in the inshore regatta world.
“We also need to look at the shoreside programme of events, so partners and families of the racers can enjoy themselves while the racing is continuing. We aim to have the yachts out for three-and-a half to four-and-a-half hours to give them a good day out, so onshore is as important as well.”
As for next year, will Steve still be in charge? He said: “That’s down to the 10 clubs who make up Cowes Combined Club Committee, after we wrap up this one, they will decide what happens!”
Carole Dennett