The Queen's visit to Cowes

[henryf]

I like the royal family and all it stands for. I also think they give fantastic value for money when you see all they do.

However.......

When it came to her majesty's recent visit to Cowes I was left scratching my head and feeling something had gone badly wrong somewhere along the line. Just in case you are reading Ma'am can I be the first so say that Cowes is usually associated with boats, not vacant rivers and pontoons.

We stayed in West Cowes Monday and Tursday night. A wonderful atmosphere, boats from all over the place, nations breaking bread with other nations, great weather and a marina which is clearly investing in both people and infrastructure.

Knowing the queen was due on Wednesday we had centre spot for the occasion. Except for the fact the South basin had to be emptied out by Tuesday 12.00hrs in preparation. A "security" measure I was told. The marina, whilst delighted by the visit were less than enthusiastic about the loss of revenue and totally blameless.

I really struggle to see how this works. You can be a crowd of people totally un checked within feet of the queen. But you can't be in a boat. You can be in a house, office or shop overlooking the queen, but not in a boat. As I understand it not only was the marina closed the Medina and surrounding area was as well.

I have been fortunate and enjoyed dinner at both Buckingham Palace and also Windsor Castle. My vehicle needed to be checked as we entered both palace and castle and names had to be provided in advance. But if you spoke to the Queen I can't help but think she would see the practical and financial implications of preventing businesses making money and would be horrified at how over the top the Cowes visit was treated.

I hope all those involved enjoyed themselves particularly the lifeboat team including fundraisers.

Henry

 

[burgundyben]

I know, it did seem a bit daft, I wanted to stop at the Haven for a few hours on Tuesday evening, had dinner in Osborne Bay instead.

 

[Resolution]

However it was still a fine spectacle, with some very fine large yachts dressed overall and with crew lined up to do the "Three Cheers" stuff. And whoever was in charge of organising the weather deserves a pat on the back!We thought Leander looked just the job for the occasion. One of my crew is a helicopter pilot who has vivid memories of landing Sir Donald on Leander at Cowes a few years back. Even with the rib cleared off the deck (and no royal bunting either!) he said it was a VERY small landing deck and the swirling winds down the Medina made the task quite hairy.

 

[dragoon]

Seems daft doesn't it. This may also sound crazy, but I wonder if this is somehow symptomatic of Lord Mountbatten's death, since he was killed by a bomb in his boat?

Cheers,
Paul

 

[Mad Pad]

Back in the 60's,70's,80's Britannia would be normally anchored off Cowes(during Cowes week) with a warship(usually a frigate )anchored nearby.The Greek would be sailing Bloodhound,Brenda I imagine stayed on board looking forward to the next stop Scotland.
All very low key,.I think The Greek used to turn up at the Squadron Ball ..but then who there would turn a head?
Oh for different values!