ORGANISERS of the most spectacular sailing series in the world have confirmed the tour WILL return to Cowes Week this year.

Doubts were raised as to whether the iShares Cup would return to the world-famous regatta after plans to set up a giant spectator marquee on Cowes seafront fell victim to red tape.

However despite the problems event organisers Offshore Challenges, set up by Dame Ellen MacArthur, yesterday confirmed Cowes Week as the UK venue of the iShares Cup tour.

The event is one of the highlights of Cowes Week for spectators and competitors alike, and this year will see top-name racers including Mike Golding and Shirley Roberston race ten state-of-the-art Extreme 40 catamarans in the Solent off Cowes Parade.

As previously reported in the Daily Echo, Offshore Challenges wanted to erect a marquee on Prince’s Green for corporate sponsors to watch the racing, but council bosses put a halt to the bid because of legal conditions banning commercial activity from the green.

Following the decision, Offshore Challenges said it was “looking at other options.”

The 40ft multihulls, introduced at Cowes Week two years ago to provide a high-performance racing spectacle for visitors, are capable of speeds of more than 45mph and can race in shallow water close to the shore.

Some of the world’s best sailors have competed in the past two years including America’s Cup legend Ed Baird, Olympic gold medal winner Russell Coutts and Dame Ellen herself.

Singlehanded sailing legend Mike Golding will be swapping one hull for two for his first iShares Cup in title sponsor Ecover’s Extreme 40.

Golding, from Warsash, said: “I definitely like a challenge and the iShares Cup will be one for sure.

“I’ve watched the circuit grow and there really is not other circuit that exists in our sport like this one with such an eclectic mix of sailors on one race course.

“On a personal level, I thought it would be a great thing to do and I get a lot of pleasure sailing with a crew.”

The first round of the six-venue tour kicks off in Venice, Spain, on May 15.

Cowes Week is due to take place from August 1 to 8.