WEYMOUTH’S new Olympic-class sailing facilities pose a significant competitive threat to Cowes as the natural home of world-class yachting events in The Solent.
The mainland south coast resort’s new national sailing centre, plus increased publicity for the area in the run-up to London 2012, is putting increasing pressure on Cowes to raise its game, according to tourism bosses.
The Isle of Wight’s economy and tourism portfolio holder, Cllr George Brown, has warned that competition from abroad, particularly from French ports which are perceived as cheaper to stage world-class yachting events, could also threaten Cowes’s premier position as the home of world yachting.
Now, he is calling on bodies such as the Cowes Harbour Commission to join forces with the Isle of Wight Council so the town can remain as a top international destination for yacht racing.
Cllr Brown said: "It is a reality that more places are bidding for the major events. Nowadays, almost anything can be staged in a number of yachting centres, yet in the past Cowes was top of the list. The other thing is that facilities offered by, for example, French ports, are seemingly cheaper. The time is now for Cowes to find something which is a bit less piecemeal."
Cllr Brown said he was planning a series of meetings with Cowes stakeholders so a more united effort could be made to attract more people to the town.
Chief executive of Cowes Harbour Commission Capt Stuart McIntosh, said the commission’s remit was to work with other bodies to maintain Cowes’s position as a world-class yachting centre.
He said: "We do have some unique challenges in Cowes to make sure that we are as viable as any other mainland or European destination."
Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk