There’s now just under one month to go until the winning helmsmen from the most competitive classes of Skandia Cowes Week 2006 race for the coveted title of ‘Volkswagen Touareg King of Cowes’ in a one-day, three-race regatta.

A total of 28 leading skippers will race on an equal level in identical one-design Laser SB3s at the inaugural joint Performance Sailcraft Europe Ltd/Volkswagen Touareg King of Cowes event which takes place on Friday 3 August – the day before the start of Skandia Cowes Week.

To qualify as one of the most competitive classes at this event, a point spread of 12 or less including discard between first and third place was required.

The invitation-only event offers a brand-new Volkswagen Touareg as a prize to the winning helmsman, and a free SB3 trade-in for the owner. Not surprisingly interest in the event was huge with most competitors signing up immediately. The prizes for 2nd and 3rd place are equally challenged and rewarding, with a pristine Volkswagen EOS and Laser GXD also ‘up for grabs’.

The allocation of helmsmen to each Laser SB3 was decided by an independent draw that took place on Tuesday 29 May 2007. Qualifying helmsmen from the diversity of 28 classes were randomly selected to team with Laser SB3 owners and their boats.

To find out the view of competitors concerning the event we spoke to Graham Bailey, current class winner of the International Etchells and White Group Overall. Bailey told yachtingworld.com: “The big prizes have caught everyone’s attention. King of Cowes is like the dinghy ‘Champion of Champions Endeavour Trophy’ on steroids, it’s a brilliant idea and encourages competitors to train hard to win Cowes Week, in hope of an invitation to King of Cowes next year.”

Visitors to Cowes might be interested to know that the fleet of SB3s will be moored in Shepards Wharf Marina, West Cowes, which is also the home of the class during Skandia Cowes Week.

The racing for this event is likely to be extremely close-fought and will take place in the central Solent on windward/leeward courses with first start 1100 sharp. The prizegiving is scheduled to take place at 1730 at Cowes Yacht Haven.