Blast

The nominees for the Ladies Day Cup

And the winner of the first Ladies Day Trophy is....

I freely admit to knowing absolutely nothing about sailing, I can sail a Topper dingy very badly and that's about it . So when I was invited to the Ladies Day Champagne Reception, to be attended by some of the biggest names in sailing, I jumped at the opportunity.

Slight Detour

The Amateur Rugby Team celebrate victory

Well I set off at about 16:00 from the BBC South Offices, and despite delays on the Red Jet ferry I arrived over an hour early. I allowed myself enough time to be pleasantly detracted by the Timberland Tug of War contest.

All in aid of the Ellen MacArthur Trust, the defending champions Bear of Britain were prepared to regain their title. However due to earlier weather conditions, they were still stuck out on the water, along with three other tug of war teams. This allowed the rugby team to cruise to an easy victory.

Sailing Greats

I met up with the BBC South Today Sports team before they headed out onto the water for their live broadcast, and I tried to get my bearings.

The trophy has been created to recognise the contribution of women to the sport of sailing. I was fortunate to interview all the nominees and the eventual winner Betty Moore. All of them were very understanding and happy to explain what they had done to deserve their nomination.

Dee Caffari is the first woman to sail around the world against the prevailing winds and currents, and docked in Southampton earlier this year. Jeanette Critchell was nominated by her daughter, she took up sailing to conquer her fear of water, although this didn't occur she has been racing in every Cowes week since. Kerry Gruson is a disabled sailor sailing in her first Cowes week. A passionate sailor she kindly offered to take me sailing on Friday, however weather conditions prevented us taking to the water.

Gavia Wilkenson- Cox was nominated for her work with the International Sailing Federation and her competition in every week since 1973. The winner Betty Moore has sailed in over 59 Cowes weeks, she intends to return next year to make it 60. She was presented with her trophy by Dame Ellen MacArthur, who was smaller than I realised.

Crazy Last Interview

So after all the picture taking and interview making I had all the material I needed and was getting ready to go to dinner with the BBC Radio Solent breakfast team, when I realised that I did not have an interview with Dame Ellen MacAthur. After speaking to her publicist I had arranged to speak to her just as she was about to leave.

I waited about 20 minutes and then thought I would check round once more to ensure that she had not left. As I came back Roger the Sports Editor of South Today told me she had just left. I ran out after her yelling "wait", and she was kind enough to give me a quick interview.

Overall I enjoyed myself and learned something about the social scene of Cowes. Although famous for its nightly balls, the events all have a key purpose to play in the enjoyment of the overall regatta.