News in Brief – What’s been going on locally

NEWS IN BRIEF

Sir Ben Ainslie victorious in Australia

Congratulations to Sir Ben Ainslie and the Great Britain team for their decisive victory in round one of the exciting SailGP series in Sydney. You can watch round four live when the action comes to Cowes on 14-15 August. sailgp.com

People’s Postcode Lottery awards local charity

In January the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust announced that even more young people will be supported in rebuilding their lives after cancer thanks to a £450,000 award from People’s Postcode Lottery, to celebrate their 10 year funding partnership. ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

As the Cowes Harbour Handbook goes to press, the global Coronavirus pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on our daily lives. Please visit all event websites for the latest cancellations and rescheduled dates, and use common sense to check the status of all other local businesses and organisations for any related restrictions or closures. Find the latest advice about Coronavirus to ensure you protect yourselves and others at gov.uk and nhs.uk. Stay safe all!

CHC is posting port information updates relating to COVID-19 at: cowesharbourcommission.co.uk/ coronavirus_statement

Cowes Weather Station is now up and running, and all harbour users can now benefit from the live data available on wind, tide height, temperature, barometric pressure, and visibility. cowesharbourcommission.co.uk/weather Cowes Weather Watch

Isle of Wight recognised with UNESCO status

Last year the Isle of Wight was awarded UNESCO Biosphere status. This designation recognises the Island as one of the best areas in the world for managed landscapes, where human impact doesn’t detract from its natural beauty or wildlife - all the more reason to explore this wonderful Island. visitisleofwight.co.uk/explore/ biosphere-reserve

Proposed accommodation centre at UKSA

Exciting developments at UKSA in 2020

In February, UKSA received an incredible donation of $1.9 million to enhance and expand its facilities with the building of a new accommodation centre. The gift was made by Bahamas-based The TK Foundation, which supports non-profit and youth programmes across the globe. Building work is expected to commence towards the end of 2020.

New Port Information Guide for Cowes

In autumn 2019, Cowes Harbour Commission created the first Port Information Guide for Cowes, directed principally at visiting cruise ships, but also useful for craft such as large tall ships and superyachts. cowesharbourcommission. co.uk/port_information_guide

Handbook with Style

This Cowes Harbour Handbook has been brought to you by Island-based media company Style of Wight, who were thrilled to be awarded the three year contract by Cowes Harbour Commission. The team is keen to hear your thoughts on this first edition, and find out what you would like to read here going forward, so please contact Style of Wight on 01983 861007 or email office@styleofwight.co.uk.