One of the most prestigious trophies at the Cowes Yacht Club will be up for grabs again this March at the 28th running of the Australian Air Safaris Around French Island National Catamaran Challenge.

A former Melbourne to Hobart race winner and two-time Australian Champion Ant Richards has won the last three Around French Island races.

“Overall I love the challenge of the event,” Ant said.

“It’s a huge change from racing around the buoys in Port Phillip Bay. It’s just awesome!

“Racing for five plus hours, combined with navigating, eating and hydrating, it’s a real test of your will power and endurance.

"Throw in competing against some of the top cat sailors from around the country, it’s an event all cat sailors should have a crack at,” he said of the race.

“The hospitality from Cowes Yacht Club and the effort they put in is incredible!

“There’s also a real camaraderie of the sailors and volunteers involved because the event is so tough. The sponsorship is second to none in Australian sailing.”

In 2024 the Isle of Wight Hotel returns as naming rights sponsor of the trophy Ant Richards hopes to claim for the fourth time.

The Isle Of Wight name has become synonymous with the overall race winning trophy, said Tim Modra, Cowes Yacht Club Commodore.

“Over the years the Isle of Wight Hotel has supported the race which is now in its 28th year.

“In the last few years the race has gone to a new level with around 60 competitors and a huge community focused activation at Cowes Yacht Club on race day,” Tim said.

“Simply put, we wouldn’t be able to deliver this race without the support of businesses like the Isle of Wight Hotel.”

The team behind the Isle of Wight Hotel from Moda Developments and Colonial Leisure Group (CLG) will be sponsoring the race for the second time having jumped on board for the 2023 running of the race.

“When we found out about the race leading up to the 2023 event, we knew we had to be part of this fantastic race,” said Tim Fitzgerald from Colonial Leisure Group.

“Last year’s event was seriously impressive so we are extremely proud to be back for 2024.”

Tim and his team from CLG and partners from Moda Developments know how big the event can get with the right support.

“Anything we can do to help make this event as good as it can be, we will be there,” he said.

“It’s a partnership we hope will continue for years to come and hopefully one day we can display the Isle of Wight trophy in the new hotel.”

Activities

The on day activation of the race at Cowes Yacht Club will be more than just the on water racing, said Commodore Tim Modra.

“We will have market stalls, food and coffee trucks with two for one coffees, two for one donuts and a free sausage sizzle which is all being provided thanks to the Isle Of Wight Hotel.

“There are also lots of give aways for spectators with things like event merchandise and rounds of golf at the Red Rocks Golf Course.

“It’s just one of the ways we are working really hard with the Moda and CLG teams to ensure we can deliver something really special for our visiting competitors, club members and the local community.”

Tim said he hopes the event becomes a part of the Phillip Island folklore.

“This is an event where we are investing all of the sponsorship money straight back into ensuring everyone leaves the day having a brilliant experience,” he said.

“With the growing fleet of competitors coming from as far as Queensland we believe this race can become something the entire island becomes proud of.

“All we ask is that as many people support the event and come down on the day and watch the race start with a sausage in their hand.”

The Cowes Yacht Club want you to mark the date in your calendar and head down to the club for the race start at 12noon on March 23.

More details to be announced including the chance to watch the race start from the Wildlife Cruises ferry. Mark the date now and bring the whole family.

www.cowesyachtclub.com/afi/