Countdown to Cowes Week

21 July 2010

The two hottest match racing skippers in the world, TEAMORIGIN's Ben Ainslie, and BMW ORACLE Racing's James Spithill, will lead their teams contesting the 1851 America's Cup during Cowes Week this year.

And the two hottest racing skippers in Flying Fish, HOT STUFF's Andy Hunt and FLYING FISH OF COWES' Michael Hook (aka Hookie) will lead their teams in the 40.7 class at Cowes Week this year.

As usual, the Fish crews are a great combination of racing veterans and virgins with international representation from Australia, Hong Kong and Turkey and a large representation from the Oxted Sailing Club!   Conversation on board is interesting with a broad demographic mix as chemical engineers, investment bankers and construction workers team up with university students, marketing moguls and IT consultants.

Team Fish on Flying Fish of Cowes

The crews got together for the first time this weekend for two days of race training.  After a strategic chat and a few anecdotes from veteran Andy Hunt, celebrating his 10th Cowes Week this year,  Teams Fish hit the water for some racing tacks and start line practice.

Team Fish on Hot Stuff

30 knots of breeze made gybing the kite a lively exercise.  “After pushing the boat hard on Saturday, the crew learnt quickly where the boundaries were between powered up and overpowered”  reported Hookie.  "Nothing like a cheeky broach to clear the cobwebs!”

"Recovering from broaching wasn't a problem for Team Fish on Hot Stuff" explained Andy Hunt.  "Recovering from hangovers however, did slow the boat down a bit."

“The crew are excited at the prospect of competing in Cowes week and having a fun time” confirmed Hookie.  “Kevin the bowman is wishing that he had brought his old knee pads with him from his days on the front of a 68’ racing yacht!”

"Our mast man Phil is doing a great job but is struggling to decide what clothes to wear to suit the ever changing conditions.  I'm glad to report that he can now do a jacket peel in under 20 seconds!" confirmed Hunt.

Phil Richardson in his fourth outfit change of the day - sporting Chanel's must have summer lipstick, Marin Blanc ...

With the Richardson brothers both working the pointy end of Hot Stuff, Max on the bow and Phil on mast, brotherly love is going to be tested during Cowes Week.  Who will come out on top?

A beautiful float drop on Hot Stuff marked the end of a successful training weekend  - now counting down the days to the start of the real thing on Saturday 31 July.

"Bring it on ...!!" says Andy Hunt

Team Fish on Hot Stuff:  Andy Hunt, Tony Arkey (Hong Kong) Tom Crockard, Susan Glenny, Aslan Morhayim (Turkey) Amanda Ribbins, Max Richardson, Phil Richardson, Matt Solomon (Australia) Daniel Soos

Team Fish on Flying Fish of Cowes:  Michael Hook, Andy Coatsworth, Kevin Ludbrook, Belinda Martin, James Martin, Lawrence Nicholls, Kevin Roberts, Jon Rutherford

Check the Flying Fish website for regular race updates on Teams Fish on HOT STUFF and FLYING FISH OF COWES throughout Cowes Week.

More race events with Flying Fish >>