This past Saturday saw the conclusion of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week 2014 in England. The overall prize-giving on Saturday evening was attended by some 300 people and regatta organizers, Cowes Week Limited, reflected on a Week of mixed weather conditions. Champagne sailing conditions started the Week with sunshine and great breeze but this was followed by much lighter conditions resulting in disappointing abandonments for some on Thursday and for all classes on Friday. For those that raced on the final Saturday though, there was a welcome return of good breeze and sun providing some fantastic conditions for the last day of racing, with the added spectacle of Black Group starting on the Royal Yacht Squadron line for the first time in as long as anyone can remember. The final day of racing delivered sparkling conditions with plenty of sun and wind, including gusts of 25 knots that gave exhilarating and energetic racing under predominately cloudless skies. The lively weather wrapped up a great week of racing that featured plenty of sun and a mix of winds that tested crews in different conditions. The J/70s had double-races starting on Saturday at the beginning of the week (the “Short Series”) and then the regular Cowes Week participants counting afternoon races until the end. The Short Series was won by Wouter Kollmann’s PLAJ from the Netherlands followed by Simon Ling’s SPITFIRE/ RAF BENEVOLENT FUND and Ian Wilson’s WILSON COVERS. For the regular series, things flip-flopped a bit with Ling’s SPITFIRE gang winning followed by PLAJ and JUGADOR in third. For more AAM Cowes Week sailing information, click here.