News

Industry Series and City Challenge Launched by Sir Robin

13 February 2008

On Wednesday 6 February, 2008 Yachtsman of the Year, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, launched the Clipper Industry Series at Trinity House, Tower Hill, London. Series partners Henri Lloyd and Moet & Chandon, were joined by event partners Nautica Watches, the Financial Times and Albourne Village ensuring industry leaders race in style in the business-to-business and hospitality sailing events.

Each Cup event raced on the ten Clipper round the world racing yachts will raise funds for charities including Sail 4 Cancer, Crisis and Macmillan Cancer Support.

At a packed Trinity House reception, Sir Robin will spoke about his 2007 solo circumnavigation in the VELUX 5 OCEANS, and welcomed Series partners, charities, as well as competing and potential corporate race teams.

Clipper Events Commercial Director, Nigel Beacham, said, “Sir Robin chose to wear Henri Lloyd’s technical clothing on his first solo-circumnavigation in 1968/9 and again in 2007; surely the ultimate endorsement for a sailing brand. Henri Lloyd has been the technical clothing supplier for the Clipper Race since 2002 and we are now delighted to welcome Henri Lloyd as our partner for the Clipper Industry Series.”

David Ellis, Marine Marketing & Sales Manager, Henri Lloyd, said, “Henri Lloyd has been the clothing partner to Clipper Ventures since the Clipper 2002 Round the World Yacht Race. It was a natural progression to work together on the Clipper Industry Series and we look forward to meeting all the teams.”

Welcoming Moet & Chandon to the partnership, Beacham added, “The America’s Cup chose Moet & Chandon as Champagne sponsor for the 2007 Cup. Clipper Events is delighted that Moet & Chandon now choose to bring their style and elegance to the Clipper Industry Series.”

In response, Moet & Chandon’s Business Development Manager, Alex Field, said, "Moet & Chandon is delighted to be supporting the prestigious Clipper Industry Series. Moet & Chandon has been associated with sailing, and the fabulous elements associated with it, for many years. We wish all the competitors the best of luck and look forward to celebrating the victories with one of the finest champagnes in the world."

Since the 2007 inaugural Clipper Industry event which saw JPMorgan and Citigroup compete for the Cup, Clipper’s competitive industry sailing events have attracted leaders from the worlds of finance, hedge funds, law, pharmaceuticals and mobile communications who enter both to race and take advantage of compelling hospitality and business-to-business opportunities. The Clipper industry Series now comprises:

25 July Clipper Finance Cup in association with Nautica Watches, in aid of Sail 4 Cancer

26 -27 July Clipper City Challenge in aid of Sail 4 Cancer

11 September Clipper Communications Cup

12 September Clipper Hedge Funds Cup in association with Albourne Village, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support

25 September Clipper Pharmaceuticals Cup

26 September Clipper Legal Cup, in aid of Crisis, in association with the Financial Times

11 October Clipper Industry Series Final

Corporations wishing to receive more information on the events or about entering teams are asked to contact the Clipper Events team on 02392 526000 or email .

Visit Clipper Events to find out how we deliver world class sailing events, management training and sailing hospitality.