'Chameleon of Cowes' wins inaugural Cowes Week Club Cruiser Trophy

Winner of the Club Cruiser Trophy, ‘Chameleon of Cowes’ © Paul Wyeth / Cowes Week

Cowes Week 2021 marked the introduction of a new club cruiser racing division in partnership with the Cruising Association as presenting sponsor of the trophy.

From 31 July - 6 August, twenty-one club cruiser teams tussled it out on the challenging Solent race track in a mix of conditions, with teams enjoying the thrill of starting off the iconic Royal Yacht Squadron.

Scheduled as a seven-race series, too little wind on Wednesday and too much wind on Friday compressed the programme to five races. Setting the pace in the range of weather served up on the challenging Solent waters were Louis Kenna and his team on 'Chameleon of Cowes', a Morris 36, who won three out of the five to take overall victory. 'Panda of Hamble', a Westerly Fulmar 32, and 'Aqua', an Optima 101, each added a win to their consistent scorecards to finish in second and third overall respectively.

The team on 'Chameleon of Cowes' was awarded the specially commissioned CA Club Cruiser Trophy, and the podium top three each received CA goodie bags. Also claiming the Ariel Trophy for Best Female Helm was Marian Kenna on 'Chameleon of Cowes', who topped the leader board on Ladies Day, Tuesday 3 August.

Presenting the Club Cruiser Class Trophy at the Cowes Week prize-giving, Alison Hadley, Chair of CA Council, commented, "We know that many of our members enjoy the thrill of competition as well as more leisurely time afloat. And the skills needed for winning races can only make you a more efficient cruiser. So there is no great divide and we hope to sponsor the Club Cruiser racers again next year."

Presentation of the Club Cruiser Trophy at Cowes Week 2021. - photo © Paul Wyeth / Cowes Week

The Cruising Association's motivation to become presenting sponsor of the Club Cruiser Class Trophy is to encourage and celebrate the many sailors who enjoy competitive racing, alongside exploring new cruising waters and returning to old favourites. Reflecting this, the fleet featured a broad line up of popular cruising yachts, from brands including Bavaria, Beneteau, Carter, Dehler, Dufour, Sigma, Westerly and a folkboat.

To celebrate the partnership with Cowes Week, the Cruising Association offered all competitors a 25% discount on membership until 30 September 2021. At £102.75 for the first year, membership gives two people access to a package of year-round benefits, an unrivalled information and advice resource and use of our members' club house in London. The special discount code is published on page 38 of the official Cowes Week programme.

Find out more at www.cowesweek.co.uk