The Cowes Harbour Commissioners have agreed to offer Cowes Week Limited (CWL) and Cowes Combined Clubs (CCC) increased support for Cowes Week in light of the current situation of the regatta organisers not having a title sponsor in place this year.

Also, Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) will not be holding its usual Cowes Week reception this year in light of the challenging economic climate and its preference for providing direct support and funding into the long-term sustainability of Cowes Week.

Cowes Harbour Master and Chief Executive of CHC, Capt. Stuart McIntosh, reports that the Harbour Commission has agreed to a number of measures to support Cowes Week this year and also to assisting CWL and CCC in delivering their plans for 2010.

This year, the Commission’s commercial operating services will sponsor the event by becoming an Official Cowes Week supplier and, in addition, will continue to provide free safety management for the Firework spectacular on Friday 7th August. There is also assistance being offered to CWL to manage their cash flow requirements in the transient period between the 2009 and 2010 event.

The Commissioners have agreed to this level of support being provided because of the importance of Cowes Week as the ‘lynch pin’ of visitor events in Cowes and its importance to both the local and harbour economy. However, it is also in recognition of grant funding from Skandia’s sponsorship towards recent harbour infrastructure projects e.g. Trinity Landing.

It is important to highlight that CHC support is in line with governance guidelines for trust ports that allow them to assist stakeholders in the interest of the overall ‘health’ of the harbour and local economy.

The public meeting held by Cowes Harbour Commission (CHC) at the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, in Cowes last Thursday June 25th, attracted around 40 people and provided a lively forum for Harbour users to voice their opinions and concerns directly to the meeting’s Chairman and Harbour Commission Chairman, Jeremy Preston, and to CHC Chief Executive and Harbour Master, Capt. Stuart McIntosh.

There is an overview of the key points presented and discussed at the CHC website, along with a copy of the Harbour Commission’s Annual Report & Accounts at http://www.cowes.co.uk

Meanwhile, CHC has agreed to hold a public meeting in June every year in order to provide it with a key opportunity to publicly underline its continuing efforts to provide transparency and clarity concerning its roles, remits and results whilst also encouraging direct feedback from Harbour users.

The next One 2 One feedback session with the Harbour Master and a Harbour Commissioner present, will be held on Thursday 9th July at the Harbour Office between 1630 and 1800hrs.

Please feel free to turn up at the appointed time at the Harbour Office in Cowes, or make an appointment by contacting Judi at the Harbour Office on 01983 293952, or email chc@cowes.co.uk