America's Cup - Land Rover BAR announces two new backers

by Sail-world.com/NZL on 28 Sep 2015 The British America's Cup team, Land Rover BAR has announced that two new backers have come on board with the team, and there will be four new Board members

Land Rover BAR says its business model includes a mix of commercial funding and private investment. While recent sponsorship announcements have focused on new commercial partners, Land Rover and CMC Markets, the founding shareholders have also been joined by many luminaries of the business world.

The latest members to join the team are Roy Bedlow, Chief Executive of Low Carbon and Director of Andromeda Capital; and Lloyd Dorfman, Founder of the Travelex Group, Chairman of The Office Group; and co-Founder and Chairman of Doddle. Aside from Lloyd Dorfman's business interests, he is also Chairman of the Prince's Trust. He is a Trustee of the Royal Opera House, the National Theatre, and the Royal Academy Trust.

'After building a global business, and having been involved in a number of successful and iconic winning sponsorships, including the England Rugby team at the World Cup in 2003, backing Ben and this America's Cup Challenge caught my imagination. I wanted to help in any way I can to make it a historic moment in British sailing history, a sport I've always loved and enjoyed,' said Dorfman in a written statement by the British Team.

Roy Bedlow is also a Trustee of the 1851 Trust and founder member of the Carbon War Room. The 1851 Trust is Land Rover BAR's official charity, and Bedlow's company, Low Carbon are the official renewable energy partners to the team, providing clean solar power to support the team's energy needs.

'Land Rover BAR and Low Carbon share the same values of sustainability and mitigating the effects of climate change,' commented Bedlow. 'I am very excited about helping the team lead in educating and inspiring younger generations who will then drive sustainability instinctively. On and off the water this is a great British team; we should all support it in any way we can in trying to bring the Cup home.'

Roy Bedlow and Lloyd Dorfman will also take seats on the Ben Ainslie Racing (Holdings) Ltd board.

Earlier investors, Peter Dubens and Lord Laidlaw have now also joined the board to support Land Rover BAR in their bid to bring the Cup home. Dubens is best known for founding the Oakley Capital Group, a privately owned asset management and advisory group that has extensive interests in the marine industry, including North Sails and Boat International Media; while Lord Laidlaw is a keen racing sailor, competing around the world in a variety of boats.

Background:
Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) was launched on June 10th 2014 in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge. The team was conceived by four times Olympic gold medalist and 34th America's Cup winner, Sir Ben Ainslie, with the long-term aim of challenging for Britain and bringing the America's Cup back home to where it all began in 1851. Ben has developed and will lead a British entry capable of winning the prestigious trophy, something Britain has so far never managed to achieve.

Land Rover BAR is a commercial sporting team, with a number of individual private investors alongside corporate partners. The team is made up of some of the best British and international sailors, designers, builders and racing support.

Sports teams represent key role models in society. This privileged position is not taken for granted at Land Rover BAR. The team believe our influence should extend far beyond the race course, and have put sustainability at the heart of operations since launching the team with Sustainability Partner 11th Hour Racing in 2014.

The team have built a new headquarters in the centre of Portsmouth, the 74,000 sq ft. building houses all the team's activities, and will welcome the public into a Visitor Centre hosted by the 1851 Trust. The Trust is the team's official charity, and HRH The Duchess of Cambridge is its Royal Patron.

Portsmouth will also host a second Louis Vuitton America's Cup World Series event on 21st-24th July 2016. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to come and watch the racing, enjoy the festivities, and cheer for the home team.

Royal Yacht Squadron Racing Ltd

Royal Yacht Squadron Racing Ltd is a club affiliated to the Royal Yacht Squadron and Land Rover BAR will be their sailing team in the challenge for the 35th America's Cup. Founded in 1815, the Royal Yacht Squadron is regarded as one of the most prestigious yacht clubs in the world. Its clubhouse is located in Cowes Castle on the Isle of Wight in the United Kingdom. The Squadron's patron is Queen Elizabeth II and the Squadron's Admiral is Prince Philip.

www.rys.org.uk