To those of you that competed in and visited Cowes Classics Week, I want offer sincere thanks from all those involved in organising the event.

This was the first major regatta held in the Solent since 2019 and because of the on-going threat of restrictions due to Covid we were unable to make any financial commitments until the middle of June when we became sure that a modified regatta could be run. Even so, we were forced to make changes even a few days before planned events in order to ensure compliance and the safety of all.

You were all thoughtful, co-operative and understanding of the limitations and together set an outstanding example of behaviour under challenging circumstances. The atmosphere throughout the week was confident and joyous.

Sadly we were forced to cancel the RYS reception on Tuesday. Those that paid specifically for the event are being refunded in full and all wrist bands issued will receive a credit of £10.00 to be carried forward to their 2022 entry. Discount codes will be issued later in the year when we relaunch the website ready for the next regatta, and the RYS has already been booked for Thursday 30th June 2022.

Cowes Classics Day on Tuesday seems to have been well received and perhaps more so as all racing that day was cancelled due to the strong winds. Apart from the high quality classic cars, the arrival of the 1943 Motor Gun boat 81 fully armed (disabled) caused a great deal of excitement. The Navy Trust have promised to return in 2022 with at least two boats!

Tim Jeffreys took photographs afloat and ashore every day of the week. I think his work is original and outstanding. The entire portfolio of photographs is now available on the website gallery and copies in high resolution may be purchased at £40 for 1, £70 for 2 and £90 for 3. Do have a look and see if there is a great image of you or your boat.

We cannot run a regatta of this scale without the help of almost 100 volunteers and the support of our sponsors. We are truly grateful to each and every one of our sponsors and would encourage competitors to try them when they next need products or services which they offer.

Ratsey & Lapthorn presented a new trophy to be awarded for exemplifying the spirit of Classics Week. Although sadly missed by many of you, we were certain that the recipient in 2021 should be The Hon Richard Cubitt and his yacht FIFA who struck up one tune after another on the piano after the dinner at RLYC on Tuesday night whilst remaining properly socially distanced. Ratsey & Lapthorn have kindly offered a 10 % discount on all sails and covers ordered by CCW Competitors and we would all be delighted if you chose to take advantage of that offer.

GJW Direct are a specialist marine insurer and sponsored the 4 CV race courses. Call or click them for a quote, tell them where you saw them and perhaps save some money on your renewal premium.

This was my last year as Chairman of Classics Week. It has been a privilege to Chair this successful and growing regatta and meet so many enthusiastic sailors over the years. Now is the time for a new helmsman to build on the record entries of 2021 with new developments and ideas. I hope that Classics Day will continue to be a feature in the future.

There will be a wash up meeting with the race teams and class representatives later this year. Please be sure to let your class representative know what you think went well and perhaps not so well. This helps us present an improved regatta every year.

The regatta in 2022 will be run from 25th June to 1st July with entries opening late this year.

I wish you all happy and safe sailing for the rest of the season.

David Gower