An involvement in sailing is good for business. Some companies, such as Hardy's, Volvo, Skandia, HSBC Private Bank, Manches and Rolex have recognized this, while many others are still to discover the benefits of an involvement in this sport.

André Oszmann, Skandia Group Marketing Director, sums up many of the attributes of sailing in a recent article in The Times that explained the success of Skandia's involvement with the sport:

'It's a clean and healthy sport, it has a great image and it's also very photogenic and a great way to display the visible part of your brand. And it's very inclusive. Sailors tend to be articulate, they are engaging and they are typically passionate about the sport.'

The very nature of yacht and sailing sponsorship means that the sponsor's message is easily turned into a moving campaign. Yachts can travel around a country, or the globe, taking the branding and the message to audiences far and wide. The leading Australian wine brand Hardy's worked with Britannia on a groundbreaking project in 2004, taking a fully branded Beneteau 47.7 to key areas of the UK including London, Brighton, Cowes, Hamble and Bristol. To read a case-study of the Hardy's Voyage project click here >>

The branding or sponsorship of a yacht is not limited to a water-based campaign and can form part of a fully integrated marketing programme that includes shore-based and dock-side activities, competitions, product launches and sampling opportunities.

Regatta sponsorship allows a company to benefit from association with an established and targeted event and offers many opportunities including, networking, profile raising, client and staff entertainment and teambuilding.

To read more about regatta sponsorship click here >>