Winning youth crew

Exess J/80 crew claim the Aberdeen Asset Management Under 25 Trophy at Cowes Week

Sailors William Goldsmith (19), Ben Arnold (20), Mark Wild (22) and Julian Wild (22) from Essex, racing the J/80 Exess, are the first crew to win the inaugural Aberdeen Asset Management Under 25 Trophy at this year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week.

As one of the first ten crews to enter into the new competition category, the Exess crew had their regatta entry fee covered by Aberdeen Asset Management and received a team sailing kit.

Exess had a fantastic week of sailing at Cowes, collecting 2nd place overall in the J/80 class behind RAFBF Spitfire, and were the highest scoring Under 25 crew across all of the classes.

Exess skipper William Goldsmith said: “This has been the best Cowes Week yet, we are thrilled to have won the first Aberdeen Asset Management Under 25 Trophy. I’ve been sailing with my crew for three years and after a week of tough sailing we are so happy to be taking this magnificent new trophy home with us.”

Douglas Connon, Head of Corporate Events at Aberdeen Asset Management said: “We are delighted to award the crew of Exess with the new Aberdeen Asset Management Under 25 Trophy, they are worthy winners. We hope that this initiative will go from strength to strength in future years and encourage more young crews to enter the regatta and to compete for the title.”

Stuart Quarrie, CEO of Cowes Week Limited (CWL) added: “We had a fantastic week and it’s great to see Aberdeen Asset Management’s support for young sailors at the regatta. The initiative provides a great opportunity for young crews to have a truly rewarding experience at the event at a reduced cost.”