Family Behind First Cowes Week Still Supporting Regatta 200 Years On

A family with links to the very first Cowes Week in 1826 is continuing to play a role in the world-famous regatta as it celebrates its 200th anniversary.

Jim Kernahan, chief executive of connectivity firm TrellisWorks, is the great-great-great-great-grandson of Charles Day, one of the key figures involved in establishing and organising the inaugural Cowes Week two centuries ago.

Today, Jim's company provides connectivity and IP-CCTV systems for the Cowes Harbour Commission, helping to keep the harbour operating safely during one of the world's most prestigious sailing events.

Speaking ahead of this year's regatta, Jim said:

"The island and event have a special place in our family's hearts, and it is amazing to feel that all these years on from my ancestor first being directly involved in the origins of Cowes Week, that my Company is also to play an important part in the regatta week of today.

"TrellisWorks has supported the Cowes Harbour Commission for a number of years and has helped to develop its CCTV and gate systems to keep the iconic harbour safe.

"During the 200th anniversary event they will provide all the connectivity and IT support to keep day-to-day operations secure."

Founded by Jim in 2004, TrellisWorks manages 34 CCTV cameras, as well as the automatic gates and barrier systems used around Cowes Harbour.

The company will once again support harbour operations during this year's North Sails Cowes Week, which is expected to welcome more than 500 boats, 5,000 competitors, around 40 races each day across 30 classes, and in excess of 100,000 visitors.

Jon Kidd, Harbour Master at Cowes Harbour Commission, said:

"Cowes Week is one of the most prestigious sailing events in the world and attracts some of the world's top sailors looking to compete for the Gold Cup. "TrellisWorks' support helps to keep the harbour connected and contributes significantly to the overall management of safety in the harbour."

Cowes Week gets underway on Saturday 1st August and remains one of the longest-running sailing regattas in the world, attracting both professional and amateur sailors from across the globe.

The event was founded in 1826 by Charles Day, who was also a yacht builder and co-founded Day and Summer.

He donated £100 towards the first Gold Cup and played a significant role in improving Cowes Harbour's facilities to accommodate visiting sailors, dignitaries and members of the Royal Family.

Today, Cowes Harbour Commission works alongside Cowes Week Limited to manage the busy waterway throughout the regatta, including providing deep-water swinging moorings for larger visiting yachts.