Cowes Port Handbook 2014-2015 April 2014 | Page 3

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014-2015 Welcome to Cowes! ................................... 2013 was certainly an exciting year for me with so many opportunities after the London 2012 Paralympics, but with my focus already turned to Rio, by last April I was back competing in the 2.4mR keelboat. However, it was a much lighter programme than normal, which allowed me to do some other racing and have the opportunity to Rick Tomlinson do tactics aboard an Élan 45 with Campbell Field in the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race. It’s such a great race to be part of, the diversity of boats and crews taking part makes it a truly spectacular race and I know 2014 will be a fantastic event. I also had the chance to campaign an SB20 and take part in the Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Grand Slam and Cowes Week. It was my first experience of Cowes Week as a skipper and I loved every minute. Certainly more challenging than the windward-leeward courses I am used to! As ever, the social scene after racing was amazing. It was a real privilege to be awarded the Ladies Day Trophy at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week and I’m really looking forward to taking part in 2014. Although I’m not a Cowes local, I live close by in Southampton, and my husband and I love going to Cowes whether we jump on the Red Jet ferry or sail across in our GK 29. There is always something happening on the water off Cowes, whether it’s yachts or power boats, and there is a real buzz around the town - so, have a great time afloat or ashore in 2014! Helena Lucas MBE Paralympic gold medallist www.helenalucas.com COWES.co.uk 3