Today, a full programme of exciting activities was announced for a day of “Best of British” celebrations on Friday 17 August, one of the highlights at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week with members of Team Volvo and Skandia Team GBR present at Cowes.
 
Following the announcement that members of Team Volvo and Skandia Team GBR will be present at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week just one week after competing for Great Britain, Cowes Week Limited (CWL) have been working in partnership with title sponsors Aberdeen Asset Management, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and Team Volvo, to create a programme for the sailors that enables competitors and spectators to celebrate with the team at the world famous regatta.
 
For anyone that will be racing during the regatta, there is the chance to win a top British sailor to race with you on Friday 17 August, courtesy of Team Volvo. Through Facebook, three lucky teams can enter to “win” one of the three match racing girls each to join their boat for the day. Details are available via the official event website or enter by clicking the Cowes Week tab at www.facebook.com/volvocarssailing. In addition, the team will make a special appearance at the Toe in the Water Heroes and Legends Crew Party that will be taking place at Shepards Wharf Marina on the evening of Friday 17 August.
 
Commenting on the news, Director of the charity, Tanya Brookfield said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be welcoming the Skandia Team GBR athletes to our Legends and Heroes Crew Party and I’m sure their arrival will ensure the party gets off to a great start; inspiring not just the Toe in the Water injured servicemen and women, but all sailors to really go for gold.”
 
Visitors to the event will also have the opportunity to meet, and even enjoy a sailing lesson with, the team too. There is the chance to win a place to “Try Sailing” with members of the team, courtesy of the United Kingdom Sailing Academy (UKSA). More information on how to enter the competition can be found on the event website.
 
Speaking about the visit to Cowes, Hannah Mills, member of Skandia Team GBR, Team Volvo and 470 World Champion said: “We are excited to be coming down to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. It will be a great chance to meet some of the public who have supported us through our campaigns”.
 
A stage appearance from the team will take place on Cowes Parade and at Cowes Yacht Haven, including autograph signings and photo opportunities, and members of the public will also be able to compete against the Team Volvo members of Skandia Team GBR on the new RYA Volvo Sail for Gold Game at the Volvo stand at Cowes Yacht Haven.
 
Commenting on Team Volvo’s involvement with the day, Nick Dempsey, top British windsurfer and member of Team Volvo, said: “The RYA Volvo Sail for Gold Game is a great way to have a go at sailing or windsurfing, and it’s really addictive. I can beat Paul Goodison in a Laser now! We’d love to see people in Cowes trying to beat our time! ”.
 
Martin Gilbert, CEO of Aberdeen Asset Management, added: “We are delighted that the British sailors, who will have represented their country on the world’s biggest stage the previous week, will be joining us at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. It will provide a great thrill and sense of celebration for both competitors and spectators alike”.
 
Full details on the Best of British Celebration Day activities can be found at www.aamcowesweek.co.uk.