Every year the Skandia Cowes Week regatta organisers spend a considerable amount of time analysing competitor feedback, and as a result, look at different ways in which they can further improve the event. Some examples taken on board for this year include:

1. Courses in 2008 will be supplied to competitors as text messages 15 minutes before their class start (previously 10 minutes before). This will ensure that 99% of competitors will receive their course before the warning signal.

2. Declarations by text message, in addition to online, will be possible. Internet kiosks will once again be provided throughout Cowes for competitor’s convenience.

3. To help cater for the less experienced crews in the IRC fleets, the Rating Office have given regatta organisers permission for entrants to use their non-spinnaker rating. This will have to be done at the time of initial entry, and far enough before the start of the regatta to ensure the rule is not abused by people trying to optimise for heavy weather. If there are any ‘new to IRC’ owners who are finding the IRC application daunting, the organisers are very willing to offer advice and assistance.

In addition, the regatta organisers are delighted to announce the launch of the inaugural Liz Earle “Close Shave Trophy” – awarded to the overall winner across all classes who wins by the closest margin.

Lymington-Cowes Ferry service is confirmed for 2008:Building on the success of the Skandia Cowes Week Ferry service from Lymington to West Cowes in 2007, the service will once again be offered for the duration of the regatta. Blue Funnel Cruises will operate this service between the Lymington Town Harbour Masters Jetty and Trinity Landing, Cowes.

Prices are £15 for a return, and £8 for a single with 8-day tickets available for £107.50 in advance. For further information telephone: 023 8022 3278 or email: office@bluefunnel.co.uk ).

If visitors are interested in getting close to the racing action, Skandia Cowes Week – in partnership with Solent Cruises – is once again laying-on an event spectator boat service.

For a more leisurely experience, the world’s smallest commercial paddle steamerMonarch, will be taking visitors around the harbour and up into the River Medina to see the other side of the regatta. The pleasure cruises are on sheltered waters and aboard a 12-seater paddle steamer powered by a 100 year-old steam engine.

Visit www.skandiacowesweek.co.uk for more information.