Cowes Combined Clubs (CCC), organisers of the annual Skandia Cowes Week regatta, has appointed a new chairman, John Grandy, it was announced yesterday.

Grady (pictured left), replaces Peter Ralls QC who served seven years in the role, bringing about some important changes in the development of CCC and Cowes Week. These included the development of the Regatta Centre building in Cowes and the implementation of the new Trinity Landing.

John Grandy is an RYA qualified National Race Officer and has recently completed his appointment as Rear Commodore Yachting of the Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) during which he was the Principal Race Officer for the Squadron days in Skandia Cowes Week. John, who lives in Somerset with his wife May, commented: ‘I am honoured to take up this new challenge and very much look forward to working with Stuart, the team at CCC, and our sponsors, to continue the evolvement of this great regatta.’