OCEAN YACHT RACE BOAT-BUILD
New category - Open Class 40’
Until recently, the prestigious transatlantic races such as the famous English Transat and Route De Rhum have only been open to 50’ and 60’ yachts. 2007 sees the introduction of the Open Class 40’, a new class of yacht which brings more affordable sponsorship opportunities to the marketplace. Competing in these well-established races has great kudos and gives access to extensive global media coverage.
Key Objectives
To build an MC-TEC Akilaria
To win the Open 40’ Class in major transatlantic and other races in 2007-2010
The Vision
To build an innovative, high performance 40’ yacht to order, to compete in numerous ocean races and sail her home to victory.
Who
Bruno Sottovia, aged 46, a ski instructor by profession, is a talented and very experienced sailor with a lifelong passion for the open seas. His spirit of adventure led him to sail his own 24' yacht across the Atlantic in 1999, alone and without support. After overcoming several major difficulties at sea, Bruno reached safe haven in the Martinique just before a hurricane. He has now completed over 30,000 miles of singlehanded sailing.
His previous two year project was his first entry into the MiniTransat 2005 (4000 miles, La Rochelle-Brazil, singlehanded in a 21' yacht) where he gained 2nd place in the Series class. Prior to that, he won the Series class in the MiniPavois 2005.
The fact Bruno Sottovia has changed career late in life from ski instructor to sailor will attract more than average media coverage when he wins significant races in the future. People like to read about people, especially when they win against the odds.
When - Timescales
Time is of the essence because there is a lead time from date of placing the order for the boat (TBC)
• Boat build 6 months
• Have to test/sail & train
• First possible race July 2007
Main racing calendar
Team Sottovia wants to enter as many races as possible such as the Transat Lorient, Transat Jacques Vabre, Celtic Triangle, Fastnet races and Transatlantic race.
In 2008 they want to compete in the English Transat and the Quebec St. Malo followed by the Route de Rhum in 2010 among others.
How
The proposal is to sponsor this boat build, race entry fees and team management over a four-year period. Various sponsorship packages are available over different periods of time. The overall cost is in the region of £500,000 over four years.
Benefits for Sponsor – WIN – WIN
When B & Q sponsored Ellen MacArthur, it increased their brand preference among sailors by 14% and by 12% amongst non-sailors leading to increased sales.
Brand-building; The boat will be branded with the title sponsor and secondary sponsors names and trademarks. Your company name features in all PR material. Other benefits include access to the yacht for corporate hospitality.
With Bruno’s determination, dedication, courage, resilience and skill, the boat has a good chance of winning so the sponsor may see their name enter yachting history.
Media coverage awaits
Because this is a new class of competition in existing races, the media machine is already in place across the world. The media cover all competitors during races with winners enjoying extensive coverage throughout the yachting world and international media, taking your company brand name to the four corners of the earth.
For details contact Team Sottovia Communications Manager UK; Lady Munby on [44] 07770 756 445
For details of Bruno Sottovia and his racing career see www.minitransat74.comRelated URL: www.minitransat74.com
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