Cowes Week, now bearing the official title Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, is one of the world’s best-known sailing regattas with a rich heritage dating back to 1826. The announcement of a new sponsorship agreement for the event was made this morning at a press conference at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, and heralds a new phase in the regatta’s continuing evolution.

One immediate benefit of the sponsorship will be a reduction in race entry fees, a move that will be welcomed by the 1,000-strong Cowes Week racing fleet. Other new developments are in discussion and will be shared over the forthcoming months.

Commenting on the announcement, John Grandy, Chairman of CWL, said: “We are delighted to have formed this new relationship with Aberdeen Asset Management and are looking forward to working together to develop Cowes Week further, for the benefit of everyone involved in this great regatta.”

Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Asset Management added: “We are very proud to be supporting one of the world’s premier sailing regattas. Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is set to be a tremendous success and we are very much looking forward to enhancing the experience of both the crews and spectators who will descend upon the Isle of Wight later this year.”

The dates of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week for the next three years are:

6 to 13 August 2011

11 to 18 August 2012

3 to 10 August 2013

For more, visit www.aamcowesweek.co.uk