Members of Skandia Team GBR’s successful sailing team were welcomed at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week this morning for a day of celebration with the sailing community and regatta spectators at the world famous event.

They were welcomed by Double Olympic Gold Medallist Shirley Robertson in a team appearance organised with the regatta Title Sponsor, Aberdeen Asset Management, the RYA and Volvo – Skandia Team GBR sponsor and Official Car Supplier to the event.

Stuart Bithell and Luke Patience (470), Saskia Clark and Hannah Mills (470) and Nick Dempsey (RS:X), Olympic silver medallists are likely to receive a lot of attention around Cowes today, along with their teammates.  Skandia Team GBR will be taking part in a number of Best of British celebrations at the regatta which includes: ‘Try Sailing’ lessons at the UKSA (United Kingdom Sailing Academy) with some lucky competition winners; public presentation activities on the Parade and at the Volvo stand on Cowes Yacht Haven; a celebratory boat parade; and a guest appearance at the ‘Toe in the Water’ Heroes and Legends Crew Party before the famous Cowes fireworks display.

26 year-old Luke Patience said: “We were delighted with our Olympic performance so it’s fantastic to be back in Cowes.  Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week is the biggest and best regatta of its kind.  There’s nothing else like it.  It is the perfect mix between competitive racing and a vibrant social scene.”

“I couldn’t think of a better place to be welcomed after the Olympics.  I’ve got many fond memories of racing here, so I’m delighted that the organisers invited us here to celebrate the team’s achievement,” added Saskia Clark.

Stuart Quarrie, CEO of Cowes Week Limited said: “Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week regularly attracts world class professional sailors and weekend enthusiasts, all competing on the water together.  Many sailors’ first racing experiences are at Cowes so we hope that the achievements of our British sailors and their appearance here today can inspire some future champions and newcomers into the sport.”

Martin Gilbert, Chief Executive Aberdeen Asset Management, commented: “We are delighted to bring our Olympic sailing heroes down to Cowes.  It is a fantastic finale to the week.  We hope the team enjoy the celebrations along with thousands of sailors and spectators in Cowes today.”

Ben Cummings

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Last Updated ( Friday, 17 August 2012 )