Cowes Week is upon us! The legendary sailing regatta has been held annually since 1826, making it one of the longest running of its kind in the world. Taking place on the Solent, it’s known for its challenging tides & unpredictable weather conditions – which makes the 40 daily races one of sailing’s greatest spectacles.
This year, we’re thrilled to set sail alongside the Rotterdam Offshore Sailing Team (Team ROST) providing them with the gear they need as they chase glory in sailing’s biggest event.
In this exclusive interview, we chat with Gerd-Jan Poortman two-time Volvo Ocean Race Sailor & the captain of Team ROST, diving deep into their preparations for Cowes Week. We’ll explore their training, what sets them apart from the competition, and of course, their burning desire to conquer the waves.
How is the preparation going for Cowes Week this year? Are you feeling confident?
Preparations are going very well I think we’re better prepared than ever. We are sailing in a strong class, but our goal is to finish in the top 3 in the events.
Which events are you competing in this year?
Quite a few, we race 3 events in the Netherlands and 3 in England. Round the Island Race, Cowes Week and the Vice Admirals Cup.
What’s the most exciting part of competing in Cowes Week?
Racing on the Solent is one of the highlights of competing at Cowes for sure. The Solent is one of the most challenging and fantastic sailing areas in northern Europe, if not the world! The beautiful landscapes, strong current waters and ever-changing winds keep you on your toes and test your sailing skills to the limit. It’s a real thrill to be able to navigate these waters successfully and make sailing great fun.
Add strong competition and great event management and you can’t beat it. We love coming to Cowes!
Can you tell us a bit about the boat you’ll be racing in this year? What are its strengths and weaknesses in these conditions?
The boat is a Ker46 a custom build grand prix race yacht. There’s a crew of 14, and we all need to work together in order to maximise efficiency, get the best out of the boat and to be competitive.
It’s a fantastic boat. Light winds are the best for it due to its hull design, which is optimised for minimal drag in light conditions. The boat also has a large sail area, which helps to capture more wind power in light airs. It’s most fun to sail it when it’s windy – then we start surfing!
With such a competitive field, what do you think will set your team apart?
While other teams may have more experience on paper, we believe our secret weapon is our teamwork. We’ve sailed countless hours together, which has fostered a deep understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. This allows us to operate like a well-oiled machine, reacting instinctively and adapting to changing conditions seamlessly.
Cowes Week is known for its unpredictable weather. How does your team typically handle changing conditions?
We love it! A good weather forecast is important, we make sure we’re prepared for all conditions as much as possible. Cowes week always gives you a nice variation in the weather which is one of the reasons we love it so much.
Can you tell us about the gear you and your team will be wearing (specifically the Verso system)? How will this help you?
In such a demanding event as Cowes Week, having the right gear is vital to ensure our performance is optimal. We need to be warm, dry and comfortable, but we need to be able to move around the boat like athletes.
This is where the Gill Verso System comes in. It’s a fantastic piece of kit that forms the foundation of our layering strategy.
The Verso System helps us do this easily with the Gill base layers. It really is great gear!
What are your thoughts on the Verso System? What are your favourite features of it?
We love the design, it allows us to be fully mobile, the fabric especially is lightweight, yet strong and waterproof too.
Overall, the Gill Verso system is a valuable asset for our team. It keeps us warm, dry, and mobile, which translates to faster sail handling, better decision-making, and ultimately, a competitive edge on the water.
What are some of the biggest challenges you anticipate facing during the races?
That is a hard question, Sailing is such a diverse sport with so many elements that challenge you. Whether it’s the weather, issues with the boat or the tough competitors. I guess the biggest one is to always keep going and put all the energy in you can give! Even in slow times or when things are not going so well. In sailing, there’s often a way to get back into the game!
What advice would you give to someone who wants to participate in Cowes Week someday?
Go and do it! Walk the docks ready to go and ask people if they need crew – this is one of your best ways in!
Also, try and get as much experience as you can. Join a sailing club, take lessons, or volunteer on boats. The more sailing experience you have in different roles, the better prepared you’ll be for working in a team and the challenges of Cowes Week.
And then practice, practice, practice: Hone your sailing skills through regular practice. Participate in local regattas or club races to gain experience in competitive environments to prepare you for Cowes!
