Cowes Port Handbook 2014-2015 April 2014

COWES PORT HANDBOOK 2014 - 2015 Cowes Yacht Clubs ................................. Paintings courtesy of Hilary Thorpe. Sailing and racing are words that are synonymous with Cowes and this reputation is largely based on the activities of the various sailing and yacht clubs that have bases in Cowes and East Cowes. Royal Yacht Squadron ............................ Founded in 1815, the Royal Yacht Squadron is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in the world. The qualification entitling a gentleman to become a member was the ownership of a vessel not under 10 tons! Today, this is interpreted as a gentleman “actively interested in yachting”. The clubhouse is the iconic Cowes Castle building at the westward end of The Parade near The Green, which was built in 1539 as part of Henry VIII’s chain of coastal defences, protecting the Island from invasion. The Club has an active racing and cruising programme and hosts many yacht races from its famous start line on The Parade. Royal Corinthian Yacht Club .............. The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club (RCYC) was founded in 1872 at Erith on the River Thames. It subsequently moved to Burnhamon-Crouch and established a ‘southern’ branch in Cowes in 1948. Since 1992, the RCYC has owned the elegant clubhouse set in a unique setting and gardens off The Parade in Cowes. Racing is run on a regular basis for a variety of classes including Darings, International Dragons, Etchells, Quarter Tonners, and X One Designs. The Club continues to build its reputation for hospitality by hosting some of the best parties, as well as the most exciting regattas, and serving some of the best food and wine to be had in Cowes. The famous Royal Corinthian barbecue seems to run all summer and, while there is usually a throng of eaters and drinkers enjoying the view from the terrace across the Solent, there is always room for more. 82 COWES.co.uk

Cowes Port Handbook 2014-2015 April 2014 | Page 82