Like all sailing clubs,  Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club has had to meet some challenges this year.

Fortunately, CCYC's Social and Sailing Teams have come up with inventive solutions which have kept the Club active and financially sound.

Faced with government guidance restricting use of the clubhouse, our outdoor apron was transformed into a “garden” environment where members could meet and enjoy a drink within social distancing limits.  This worked so well that we were able to hold the traditional Commodore's Cocktail Party in what would have been Cowes Week to universal acclaim.

When the cancellation of Cowes Week was confirmed, the Corinthian refused to accept defeat and after much debate over interpretation of government and RYA guidelines we held a “Not Quite Cowes Week” Mini-Regatta of our own.  The blissful sailing weather which had held all through lockdown suddenly failed us on the scheduled date, but after a short postponement the event went ahead to give many members' boats their first run of the season.  Meanwhile we devised and ran local evening and weekend series of races which complied with Covid guidance but gave sailors a chance to get back into form.

Even our RYA-accredited Training programme was revised to comply and continues with more bookings for Powerboat and VHF courses, with Mark-laying also on the hgorizon.  We took the opportunity of a quiet season to rationalise and overhaul our fleet of RIBs and patrol boats so that we are even better placed to support sailing this winter and onwards.

Highlight of our year so far has been hosting the delayed Cowes Spring Classics, which saw 18 beautiful classic boats enjoy some laid-back racing in the Solent in early September.  Later we will run the annual Forts Race and the Etchells' Ice Bucket Challenge and round off the season with our Members' Regatta (Covid rules permitting!).