Jp Morgan Renews Sailing Commitments
JP Morgan Asset Management has extended its presence in sailing after renewing its title sponsorship of the Round the Island Race until 2016, having already confirmed the naming rights of Sir Ben Ainslie’s BAR team – who will compete in its debut season in the Extreme Sailing Series this year.
The new Round the Island agreement was announced at the London Boat Show, where Ainslie was in attendance along with his JP Morgan BAR AC45, the same boat he used to break the Round the Island Race’s multihull record last year.
A 50-mile sprint around the Isle of Wight open to amateurs and professionals, the Round the Island Race was first held in 1931, with JP Morgan backing the race for the past nine years.
Jasper Berens, the head of UK funds business at JP Morgan Asset Management, said of the deal: ‘We’re delighted to announce our title sponsorship of the JP Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race will continue for a further two years, to include 2015 and 2016.’
‘JP Morgan’s involvement in sailing continues to be thoroughly rewarding, not just in terms of our brand but also in helping us connect with our existing and potential clients.’
The 2014 edition of the Round the Island Race takes place on Saturday 21st June, with well over a thousand boats set to take part.
Meanwhile, also at the London Boat Show, the Extreme Sailing Series announced details of its 2014 edition, with a full starting grid of teams and two new venues.
The four-time Olympic champion will take part in the eight-race event as part of Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) in a 40ft multi-hull boat.
Ainslie’s first action will be in Singapore on 20th to 23rd February, with other destinations including St Petersburg in Russia and the Welsh capital Cardiff.
