Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012

Versanddatum: 30/08/2012

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012 provided some great racing conditions with sunshine and good breeze for the majority of the regatta. The official merchandise range proved a huge success, and it was great to see so many crews sporting both the Race Collection and new Keelboat gear on and off the water. The Cowes Yacht Haven was a busy hub of activity at the end of racing when the crews all converged for post-sailing drinks, a spot of shopping or to listen to the musical offerings on the Gill Stage.

Newly appointed members of Gill Race Team, Cobra, a Summit 40, owned by Mike and Seb Blair and helmed by Freddie Hall competed in IRC Class 1. This is the first season on the new boat for the Cobra crew who have been sailing together since 2001. Having recently competed in the Brewin Dolphin Commodore’s Cup the crew really pulled together for the weeks’ racing and came 8th in a class of 21 boats.

Sarah Allan was representing GRT in the SB20 Class, despite only competing in the first half and missing three days’ sailing the crew still managed to gain a 12th place overall out of a class of 27 boats.

We were also proud to be associated with the Sisterhood in their 2012 ‘mission’ which was to compete at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. All in the name of charity a team of novices pulled together to form an all-female crew on a J/122 skippered by Susan Glenny (the only pro on the boat). Their high profile meant much media attention with articles in the Evening Standard and the Telegraph sporting the Crosswind Jacket. The girls finished the week in 21st position, in a class of 35. Not bad for a bunch of amateurs!

Ladies Day on Thursday 16 August saw Annie O'Sullivan of Girls For Sail win the coveted Ladies Day Trophy for her efforts over the last 13 years in getting more women into the sport of sailing. Along with her trophy she was presented with a Gill Hooded Pro Softshell Jacket.

One of the highlights of the Week was the close competition between the under 25 year-olds racing for the newly introduced Aberdeen Asset Management Under 25's Trophy. The trophy was won by William Goldsmith on the J/80 Exess following a series of second places in her class throughout the Week and a win on Thursday. William (19) from Maldon, Essex is a member of the British Keelboat Academy, which Gill is the official clothing supplier. Commenting on the team's win and the week's racing, William said: "It has been a fantastic week and to win this trophy is unbelievable. It makes all our hard work to get here, really worthwhile."

A fantastic week was rounded up with a spectacular firework display on Friday night. We look forward to next year!

GILL PARTNERS WITH BRITISH KEELBOAT ACADEMY

Versanddatum: 21/03/2012

The British Keelboat Academy (BKA) is designed to produce a constant stream of credible and talented young keelboat sailors aged between 18 and 24. It does this through providing racing and training on the water, as well as technical training and personal development ashore. It is important for these sailors to be kitted out in only the most reliable high performance kit and the Gill range fits the bill perfectly.

Nick Gill comments “Gill is delighted to be involved in the RYA British Keelboat Academy as the official clothing supplier. It fits nicely into Gill’s strategy of being involved in grass roots sailing, and taking the most talented young Keelboat sailors up to the next level is very much part of that. Gill will be providing the teams with their latest Keelboat racing suits. The perfect product for close quarters racing where weight, performance and protection are key elements of success”

Luke McCarthy, BKA Head Coach adds “We are excited to be working with Gill as official clothing supplier to the British Keelboat Academy. Our squad sailors take part in a range of sailing in challenging conditions, and this partnership will give them access to Gill's exceptional product range to meet their needs, as well as access to Gill's expertise and technical input.”

The Keel Boat Racer is the kit of choice for the BKA. Gill’s trademark 4Dot™, 3-layer fabric makes this the most waterproof, breathable and durable Keel Boat suit Gill have ever made. Designed for those needing trustworthy wet weather protection and freedom of movement without excess weight, the Keel Boat range is 25% tougher and more durable than its predecessor. The fabric is also much more lightweight and supple, making it more comfortable than before allowing for improved ease of movement.

British Keelboat Academy