Regatta Chairman Gavia Wilkinson-Cox Invites you to the 2017 Dragon Edinburgh Cup in Cowes

Calling all Dragon sailors – GBR and ALL Dragon nationalities. This is your Captain speaking!

I am honoured to be the Chairman of the 2017 Edinburgh Cup, which will be held in Cowes, Isle of Wight from 8 to 15 July.

On behalf of the British Dragon Association, the Cowes Dragon Fleet is busy making arrangements to ensure that Cowes is your 2017 Destination for Dragon racing. Many of you have often said ‘one day I’ll race in Cowes’ – well this is your year to do so!

We have a fabulous package of very special regattas, with special International and Isle of Wight ferry rates, special marina rates and special Cowes Week entry fees – a full week of sailing, a full week of social events – a truly special package in total!

BACKGROUND:

One of the Dragon fleet’s most prestigious trophies is the Edinburgh Cup, which was presented to the class in 1949 by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and is awarded annually to the winner of the International Dragon British Open Championship. That first Edinburgh Cup in 1949 was raced on the Solent and hosted by the Island Sailing Club.

In 2017 the Edinburgh Cup in its 69th year will return to the Island Sailing Club once more, the fifth time the club has hosted the event and its twelfth visit to Cowes.

THE EDINBURGH CUP AND SOUTH COAST CHAMPIONSHIP:

The Edinburgh Cup regatta week is in fact two separate regattas rolled into the week (the South Coast Championship as well as the Edinburgh Cup). Additionally, I am able to extend the special rates offered to also encompass Cowes Week 2017.

We have early indication of some 40/50 boats and some 15+ international entries.

NOTICE OF RACE AND FULL INFORMATION:

The NORs, for the UK South Coast Championship and Edinburgh Cup are now live and full info is available at www.edinburghcup.org (click on Competitor Information), where you should find ALL that you need to compete!

COWES WEEK 2017:

And. . . . ‘one day I’ll do Cowes Week’! 2017 is YOUR year! Thanks to the Edinburgh Cup we are able to extend special arrangements to encompass your Cowes Week participation too.

COWES WEEK ENTRY FEE:

A truly special offer from Cowes Week! For non GBR Dragons a 20% discount on early bird race entry fees! For NOR and details of how to enter go to: www.cowesweek.co.uk (Under ‘Taking Part’ you will find ‘Race Documents’ and ‘Enter for 2017’).

SHEPARDS WHARF MARINA:

Shepards Wharf Marina will be the ‘home’ for all visiting Dragons for the Edinburgh Cup. Following which they extend a Special Offer for post Edinburgh Cup storage and for Cowes Week launching, berthing and trailer storage. See the NORs for full information.

INTERNATIONAL FERRIES:

Brittany Ferries Discount Offer

We are pleased to announce Brittany Ferries offer, a discount of some 10%.
A Discount Activation Code can be sent on request when Edinburgh Cup/South Coast entry is made (and by request for Cowes Week Dragon entrants).

Arriving from Cascais after the Worlds?

Take Brittany Ferries from Santander or Bilbao direct to Portsmouth, UK

Arriving via France?

Take Brittany Ferries (Caen, Le Havre, St Malo, Cherbourg) direct to Portsmouth, UK

Going to the Europeans, Lake Thun?

Take Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to French ferry ports
Plenty of time after Cowes Week to travel to Lake Thun

RED FUNNEL FERRY TO THE ISLE OF WIGHT:

Red Funnel offer an exclusive discount for Dragon competitors of the Edinburgh Cup (and Cowes Week). For full information see the NORs.

If arriving via Portsmouth – its a short drive to Southampton and in reverse for departure!

SOCIAL EVENTS:

A full and fun packed schedule of social events is organised!
Daily postrace food and drink with Prizegiving and Raffle, all at the Island Sailing Club.
The Cowes Dragon Fleet’s ‘Home Entertainment’ evening for all competitors and their accompanying guests – you are invited to dinner in our homes!
South Coast Prizegiving/Edinburgh Cup Welcome BBQ and party
And, the grand finale of the week, the Edinburgh Cup Celebration – Prizegiving, Dinner, Dancing and Entertainment on Friday 14 July.A formal evening with formal dress to which not only Dragon sailors but members of Cowes yacht clubs and day boat classes are also invited. A true celebration – with a lot of fun to be enjoyed by all!

Tickets for Social Events:

Each competing Dragon receives 3 free tickets to all ticketed events.
Extra tickets can be purchased – see booking form on the web site.
The Edinburgh Cup Celebration – 14 July: special instructions for booking tickets to this event will be available shortly. We anticipate keen demand for tickets – we urge you to book your tickets early to avoid the disappointment of missing out!

You can find more information, and how to enter, at:

www.edinburghcup.org

So, go on line – and enter! We look forward to welcoming you to the Edinburgh Cup and Dragon sailing in Cowes.

Do contact me if I can be of any additional help.

Stand by for regular updates and see you in Cowes!