Andy and Malcy reveal How to Win Cowes Week 22 Feb 2015

After winning Cowes Week for a second time, Malcolm Hutchings reiterated what he has always said… “You need a good crew to do well and I have one of the best.” Andy Ramsey, who is that crew, often says that both in the Squib and in life, he’s usually one step in front of Malcolm!

So when 80+ members from the massed ranks of the cruiser class and the hecklers from the Squib fleet sat down to listen to them impart their wisdom, it was indeed Andy who took the lead.

Most attendees were surely expecting a deep meaningful insight into sail trim, boat speed and starting tactics. What actually ensued was the whole room engaged in a light hearted yet sobering exercise in trying to bring order to the confusion that is a start for one of the largest, busiest and famous multi-fleet regattas in the world.

As people tried to write down the course and get a bearing from mark to mark, Andy introduced some authenticity by playing Cowes Radio in the background, with sea spray from a water bottle and requesting other crews to repack a spinnaker whilst Malcolm waved to spectators.

So what did we learn? Well the spinnaker is always on the wrong side, the cross tide legs are the decisive ones and listening to Cowes Radio keeps you in touch not only with the other fleets but also your fiancée.

What shone out more though was the absolute respect and teamwork that the dynamic duo share both on and off the water. Of course they are competitive, of course they are very good sailors but it is that good-natured partnership that is probably the root of their achievement and makes their success so very much deserved.

They will be back at Cowes for 2015, probably as hot favourites. Partly because they have encouraged greater Squib participation and partly because Andy, whilst preparing the presentation, now understands how to read the tide tables!

Well done, once again to Anne and Arthur for selecting great presenters and organising a hearty lunch.