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Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2012 - Practical Advice

Cowes week image Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week (11 - 18 August 2012) is the World’s premier sailing regatta, with almost 1,000 yachts and 8,000 competitors taking part in some top-class sailing. Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week has a rich heritage and attracts a wide range of competitors from amateurs to Olympic and World champions. It has a huge amount to offer both sailors and visitors alike, with an exciting racing schedule and a packed entertainment itinerary on shore throughout the week.

A visit to Cowes during the regatta is a must, with its great selection of specialist shops, excellent line-up of live bands and superb choice of cuisine, all helping to create a festival atmosphere - plus one of the best sailing spectacles in the world. One of the highlights of the Regatta is the fireworks display, taking place on the final Friday of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. The Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week Parade Entertainment schedule is available via the link below.

Visit the official Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week site for further information on events, accommodation and on-line race entry.

What’s on ashore

The Isle of Wight Council plays a huge role in supporting this event ensuring that life is as much fun on shore as off. Seafront entertainment adds to the carnival-like atmosphere throughout the event.

The staged area on the Parade bandstand offers free entertainment both day and night. The line-up includes live bands suitable for all ages. The Parade offers prime viewing to watch the racing, catch up on the racing results, and soak up the atmosphere, whilst sitting in the decked garden or wandering through the Parade Village.

The traditional Friday night firework finale lights up the night sky silhouetting hundreds of boats against the skyline. Thousands gather from Prince’s Green to the Marina, Cowes or along the seafront in East Cowes to watch the magnificent display. The spectacular display takes place on Friday 17 August beginning at 21.30 and lasts for approximately 20 minutes.

Elite Helicopters

Elite Helicopters will be running pleasure and sightseeing flights from the County Showground throughout the event. Tickets are available from the online shop and further information is available via the Elite Helicopters Facebook and Twitter feeds.

		iwight.com guide to Cowes

		iwight.com sailing pages

		Parade Entertainment

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week Arrangements - Your Council's Involvement

The Isle of Wight Council helps to ensure the whole week of activity runs smoothly from organising additional parking to extra floating bridge crossings, PA systems for racing results, flag poles and flower baskets, street cleansing and policing.

To help you make the most of the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week experience, Cowes Parade will be pedestrianised. Cars and coaches are provided with plenty of parking alternatives, just follow the AA signs for the car parks, located in Ward Avenue and Crossfield Avenue.

Additional Floating Bridge Services

Extra overnight services are being provided on the Cowes – East Cowes Chain Ferry across the River Medina.

From Friday 10 August until 19 August (inclusive). Operational times normally end at half past midnight but will extend until 02.00. After this there will be each-way services at about 02.20, 02.40 and the last one at 03.00. The usual continuous service will commence at 05.00. On Fireworks Night the only vehicles that will be carried between 18.00 and 23.00 will be emergency vehicles Pedestrians and motorists may also access Cowes from East Cowes by means of the Chain Ferry.

This is free of charge to pedestrians and provides the opportunity to walk throughout the whole of the pedestrianised zone from Shooter’s Hill to Prince’s Green, enjoying the sights, sounds and ambience. For further information contact the Ferry Office on 01983 293041.

Parking

Northwood House Trustees are providing temporary paid for car parking facilities in the grassed areas at Northwood Park, off Ward Avenue, which will be open from 8th – 18th August inclusive, from 6.00am each morning. Cowes Football Club and the Isle of Wight Community Club (both situated off Park Road) will also be used on Fireworks Night (all car parks are weather dependent).

East Cowes offers car parking facilities on the Esplanade and also Maresfield Road and Waitrose.

Clean Sweep

The council has arranged for the town centre streets to be cleansed and litter picked on a continuous cycle throughout Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week as well as a dedicated roving team being available to carry out any spot cleaning as required. Litter bins will be supplemented by wheelie-bins in the High Street and Parade areas and will be emptied several times a day. A major cleaning operation will begin shortly after the fireworks on Friday 17 August to return areas to a high standard of cleanliness ready for the early risers. Private waste collection contractors will continue to provide their service to their trade customers before 10.00 each morning. The four blocks of public conveniences in the town will be attended to by a dedicated member of staff on a continuous rotational basis.