Unsponsored Cowes Week Will Go Ahead
The organisers of sailing’s prestigious Cowes Week have announced that the regatta will go ahead despite the lack of a title sponsor for the event.
The event has struggled to find a replacement sponsor to take over the reins from Skandia, the financial services firm which ended its long-standing association with Cowes Week last year.
Despite the lack of sponsorship, this year’s regatta, due to take place in the first week of August, will take place regardless of whether a backer is found.
Commented Stuart Quarrie, chief executive officer of Cowes Week Limited: ‘Despite the tough sports marketing climate at the moment, we are in proactive discussions with a number of prospective headline sponsors.
‘Our approach is very flexible, which is imperative given current market conditions. Any companies interested in the sponsorship of the event still have time to come on board for 2009.
‘In the meantime we will soon be in a position to announce some exciting new additions to our family of supporting sponsors, and whatever happens, even with no title sponsor, the event will go ahead as usual this year.’
Every year Cowes Week attracts around 1,000 yachts racing in up to 40 classes and featuring 8,500 competitors. It is estimated that Cowes Week contributes £60m to the Isle of Wight economy annually.
