Gosford to Lord Howe Island Yacht Race - Major sponsor confirmed

by Gosford SC on 22 Aug 2012 Hempel Gosford to Lord Howe Island Yacht Race - The Gosford Sailing Club is pleased to announce that Hempel will continue their association with the coveted Category One Bluewater Classic.

The Hempel Group is a leader in the production and sales of protective coatings within the Decorative, Protective, Marine, Container and Yacht market segments. David Neumann of Hempel Australia says the company was always eager to continue the association, but needed an assurance from the GSC Race Committee that the coveted race was going forward.

The GSC and Hempel finalised discussions earlier this week and new Race Director Tony Evans couldn’t be happier with the outcome.

'I understand Hempel Management’s concern after last year’s race in which just nine boats started' Evans said.

'The new Race Committee was asked to demonstrate that we were prepared to implement the management systems and strategies to ensure that the next race reaches Hempel’s expectations. The change of date (April 6 2013), mooring strategies and new entry criteria augurs well for the race and we can expect to offer our valued sponsor more bang for buck than in previous years. Hempel are a large multinational corporation and the union is a perfect pairing of brand and event, so we are rapt to have them back'.

The changes to the event could mean as many as 25 starters in 2013, but the final word may come from the Lord Howe Island Board, which will meet early next month to discuss the viability of the mooring sponsorship program. It has been proposed that businesses, clubs and yacht entries could establish a long term association with 'The Lord Howe' by financing the laying of extra moorings in the Man ‘o’ War (South Passage) and thus ensure their entry acceptance for five years (subject to conditions).

Now that the major sponsor has been established, the Gosford Sailing Club will call for expressions of interest in the coming weeks.

A Notice of Race will follow in late October to give competitors plenty of time to factor the event into their racing schedules.

For further information on the Hempel Gosford to Lord Howe Island Yacht Race, please visit the Gosford Sailing Club website or contact the Race Director Tony Evans on 0416216361 or lhi(@)gosfordsailingclub.com.au.

Visit Hempel’s Australian website here.