As Cowes Week marks its 200th anniversary this year TrellisWorks has an extra special reason to celebrate the milestone occasion.
Jim Kernahan, our CEO and founder, is the great, great, great, great grandson of Charles Day, who was instrumental in setting up and running the first ever event in 1826.
It is a connection which runs on and off the water.
As a company we supply all the IP-CCTV and connectivity for the Cowes Harbour Commission which oversees the safety and management of the site 365 days a year including during the prestigious event which attracts over 100,000 visitors to the island.
It is also an event we are proud to support with the 39ft Bavaria Precision taking part in the C Class race with a team supported through TrellisWorks.
Managing Director Dominic Scarr said: “TrellisWorks excels in helping to find connected solutions in even the most complex of terrains. We have supported the Cowes Harbour Commission for many years and helped to develop its IP CCTV and gate systems to keep the iconic harbour safe. During the 200th anniversary we are honoured to be helping to keep day to day operations secure while carrying on the family legacy.”
TrellisWorks, which was founded by Jim in 2004, operates the 34 cameras, automatic gate access and barriers which function around the harbour during the busy regatta. Working with Cowes Harbour Commission the port will see an influx of activity for this year’s North Sails Cowes Week events, with more than 500 competing boats, 5000 competitors, 40 daily races in 30 different classes and over 100,000 visitors attracted to the town.
Jim, who was part of the team that raced this year with expert Skipper Hugo Mills of Salty Sailing, said it was an honour his family could still support the event all these years on as the regatta marks its bicentenary on the Isle of Wight.
He 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.
“To be able to carry on that tradition and keep that connection going is very important and one I am very proud to honour.”
Jon Kidd, Harbour Master of Cowes Harbour Commissioners, 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, which runs from Saturday 1st to Friday 7th August, is one of the longest-running sailing regattas in the world. Attracting professional and amateur sailors from across the globe it also sees around 100,000 visitors flocking to the island to enjoy the festivities.
The event was founded in 1826 by Jim Kernahan’s great, great, great, great grandfather Charles Day, who himself sailed and set up yacht builders Day and Summer. Charles also donated £100 towards the first Gold Cup and was also directly involved in helping the people of Cowes and the Harbour Board, improve the facilities to make the location suitable for important visitors and Royalty.
The event was later taken over by the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) and is now held every year at the beginning of August for a week. Working with Cowes Week Limited the Cowes Harbour Commission oversee the busy waterway and during the regatta provide two rows of deep swinging moorings to accommodate the larger yachts attracted to the event.
