Volvo partners New Zealand youth sailing

by Yachting NZ on 14 May 2013
Yachting New Zealand is proud to announce a new partnership with Volvo Cars to support the drive for youth sailing development around the country.

A long term investment, Volvo will sponsor New Zealand’s flagship school sailing programme Volvo Sailing… Have a Go! as well as contributing to youth development camps and clinics.

Designed to encourage school children to experience the thrills and spills of sailing in a safe and well managed environment, the Volvo Sailing... Have a Go! programme is where some of NZ’s future yachting stars have their first sailing experience.

Stephen Kenchington, general manager, Volvo New Zealand, says the partnership with Yachting New Zealand is a fantastic way for the brand to extend Volvo’s support of sailing around the world.

'Volvo globally supports sailing from grass roots level, through youth development and to the pinnacle of the sport with the ownership of the Volvo Ocean Race, the world's pre-eminent round-the-world yacht race and one of the most coveted prizes in sport.'

'Our range of vehicles not only compliments the needs of the sailing community but they are highly technical, designed for speed and engineered to handle the toughest conditions, just like the high performing Volvo Ocean Race fleet; ' says Mr Kenchington. 'We look forward to playing our part in getting more kids enjoying the sport, and lifting Yachting New Zealand’s programmes to the next level.'

David Abercrombie of Yachting New Zealand is also excited by what Volvo can bring to the sailing community in New Zealand.

'We’re thrilled to have such a reputable vehicle brand on board with our youth programmes and the refreshed look is a great asset to our Volvo Sailing...Have a go! programme. The partnership with Volvo Cars will also greatly diminish risk and transportation costs' says David Abercrombie, YNZ’s Chief Executive.

With Auckland now confirmed as a stopover port for the next two Volvo Ocean Races, it is the perfect time to invest in lifting the profile of the sport and celebrate the achievements of youth sailing in New Zealand.

Brad Marsh, bowman on Groupama, the winning yacht of the Volvo Ocean Race 2012, is right behind the partnership. 'I have been a direct recipient of vehicle support by Volvo. The vehicles are an exceptional drive and I am delighted to hear that the sailing community throughout the country will be able to benefit from this investment of support as well as favourable member benefits'

Yachting New Zealand members will soon have their chance to be able to access benefits from this relationship making it easier for them to get into their own Volvo.