Nominations open for Ladies Day Trophy at AAM Cowes Week

Dee Caafari wins Ladies Day 2014 at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week © Rick Tomlinson

Cowes Week Ltd announces nominations are now open for the coveted Ladies Day Trophy and plans to turn Cowes navy-and-white in a fabulous celebration of women in sailing, this year sponsored by island beauty brand, Liz Earle Naturally Active.

Ladies Day will return to Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week on Tuesday 11th August with a number of celebrations culminating in the presentation of the Ladies Day Trophy at an exclusive evening reception. Ladies Day was introduced for the first time in 2006 to champion the role of women in sailing and the sheer number of female competitors racing at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. There are some 8,000 competitors taking part in the regatta and around a third of them are female. Sailing is one of the few mainstream sporting events where men and women can compete on equal terms and the strength of female competitors has grown with a 150% increase in female skippers over the last decade.

In 2014 British Yachtswoman Dee Caffari was the ninth deserving winner of the Ladies Day Trophy in recognition of her phenomenal achievements, including being the only woman to sail non-stop around the world 3 times, as well as her tireless enthusiasm and promotion of the sport and associated charities.

Commenting on receiving the award Dee Caffari said "It is very exciting to receive this award following in a long line of women who have got their name on this trophy. It is awesome to finally be holding the award. I have been nominated in the past but thought I'd never win. And to have my achievements listed and recognised, especially with the esteemed company in the room tonight, is very special"

Nominations for the 2015 winner are now requested, and anyone can nominate via the event website at aamcw.co/ladiesdaynomination Nominations close at midnight on Monday 27th July, 2015.

On Liz Earle Ladies Day, event organisers, Cowes Week Ltd are encouraging all ladies to enter into the spirit of the day, both on the water and shoreside by dressing "Nautical".

Commenting on the suggested dress code Kate Johnson, CWL's Commercial & Marketing Director said:

"The traditional seafaring navy-and-white striped shirt was declared part of the French Navy's standard issue in 1858 and introduced to the fashion world by Coco Chanel when, inspired by sailors, she launched her nautical collection in 1927. Since then nautical stripes have been worn by some of the world's most glamorous women including Brigitte Bardot, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Kate Moss. The design is now synonymous with chic summer style and jet-set glamour. With our official skincare sponsor, Liz Earle Naturally Active, sponsoring Ladies Day in 2015, it's the perfect time to encourage ladies to bring a bit of this glamour to Cowes Week this year."

Fabulous prizes donated by event sponsors Liz Earle Naturally Active, Chilgrove Gin and Volvo, amongst others, will be awarded throughout the day to ladies sporting their own version of nautical dress with the most stylish being given an invitation to the exclusive Liz Earle Ladies Day Reception at Northwood House in the evening. CWL's prize-giving teams will be style-hunting throughout the day so ladies, remember to come in navy-and-white!

Shoreside, Cowes Parade Village will be celebrating the Liz Earle Ladies Day at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week in style. Indulge in a glass of champagne at the Parade Garden Bar to be in with a chance to win prizes which include Liz Earle goodie bags, Oakley sunglasses, Chilgrove Gin, & Champagne. Liz Earle beauty therapists will be on hand offering complimentary manicures and relaxing hand and arm massages. Ladies Day on Cowes Parade will be a chance to relax in the sunshine, watch the sailing and enjoy refreshing drinks and delicious afternoon tea delights with family and friends. To enjoy further Liz Earle treatments and a chance to try the products, including a special facial developed exclusively for Cowes Week, Ladies should head along the Parade to the Liz Earle Naturally Active stand.

Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2015 takes place from the 8th – 15th August. Cowes Week 2016 takes place from the 6th – 13th August.