Reports that the future of Cowes Week is under threat as a result of a decision to
begin charging £90,000 for policing the event, have been hotly denied to Yachting Monthly.

Stuart Quarrie, director of the Cowes Combined Clubs (CCC) which runs the Isle of Wight event,told YM: ‘There is not a chance that Cowes Week itself is under threat. However the firework display is.’ The problem is that Hampshire Police Authority wants to recover the cost of patrolling the 180-year-old regatta.

The CCC has taken legal advice over police authority demands of £60,000 to cover the cost of patrolling the regatta in addition to £30,000 for the closing party. Quarrie said the average boat’s entry fee is £250 and increasing the fee would see a decrease especially from the smaller yachts.

If the CCC lose the legal argument they will cancel the firework party rather than pay £30,000 towards it. They will also use their own security guards and ‘marshalls’ to cut back on the need for extra police.