J.P. Morgan Asset Management extends Round the Island Race sponsorship

by Peta Stuart-Hunt on 9 Jan 2014 With the beginning of this new year comes the announcement from the Island Sailing Club (ISC) in Cowes, Isle of Wight, that the title sponsorship of the iconic Round the Island Race will continue to reside with J.P. Morgan Asset Management for a further two-year period up to and including 2016.

The Island Sailing Club, organisers of this most famous annual one-day Round the Island Race that was first held in 1931 and comprises a 50nm course around the Isle of Wight held each June, has enjoyed an enduring and constantly evolving relationship with J.P. Morgan.

The announcement took place at the London Boat Show on the J.P. Morgan BAR AC45 stand, exhibiting the very boat which broke the Race Multihull record last year. In addition to the Race sponsorship continuation, J.P. Morgan has cemented its commitment to the sport of sailing by announcing title sponsorship of Sir Ben Ainslie and his team BAR in the Extreme Sailing Series 2014. Jasper Berens, Head of UK Funds Business at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, said: 'We're delighted to announce our title sponsorship of the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race will continue for a further two years, to include 2015 and 2016. We've been involved in sailing for the last decade as title sponsor of the Race and we are also into our eighth year as title sponsor of Sir Ben Ainslie, which includes sponsoring his entry into the Extreme Sailing Series 2014 with his team J.P. Morgan BAR, so today's announcements further confirms our commitment to the sport.

'J.P. Morgan's involvement in sailing continues to be thoroughly rewarding, not just in terms of our brand but also in helping us connect with our existing and potential clients. To be involved in an event like the Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, with the best sailors in the world competing alongside amateurs is an honour and we hope our support can make the event a great success.'

In response, the Commodore of the ISC, John Dudley, speaking on behalf of the entire Race management team said: 'This Race, the largest of its kind in the world, continues to evolve under the ISC's stewardship. However, with J.P. Morgan Asset Management, we have been fortunate to work hand in hand with a Title Sponsor and our Race Partners who fully support and help us launch new initiatives.'

Dudley continued, 'Over the past nine years of J.P. Morgan's sponsorship, the Round the Island Race has developed beyond everyone's expectations with new technological initiatives being introduced, alongside fundamental improvements such as the provision of free water taxis to ferry competitors from berth to boat and back. We have also been fortunate to enjoy hosting Sir Ben Ainslie, also sponsored by J.P. Morgan, and the Race media coverage has broadened as a result. We enjoy working with J.P. Morgan's team for the benefit of everyone associated with the Race.'

The global profile of the Round the Island Race has also been significantly enhanced as tracking and EventTV, the live Blog and 'as live' imagery from the race course has bought the Race to life for armchair spectators around the world.

The first entry recorded for the 2014 Race was from Simon King with Aurora, a Jeanneau 36i. Simon is a sailing school principal and RYA instructor but keeps the Race weekend free to sail with his mates on a 'boys weekend'. It is one of the sailing highlights that he most looks forward to during the year. 'The 'boys' really enjoy the whole weekend and are staggered at how well the race is run,' commented Simon.

Meanwhile, the winner of the ISC's December prize draw for a free entry to the 2014 Race is Vicky Williams and her vessel, a Challenge 72 Challenge Wales. On Race day they will be sailing with disadvantaged young people.

To be part of the exciting on-water action on Saturday 21st June and benefit from the early bird entry fee for the 2014 Race you need to enter online by midnight on February 1st, after which the Standard entry fee applies until midnight on Saturday 7th June.

Secure online entry here

The Official Charity for 2014 is the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. The 2014 Race strapline is 'A Race for All'. Simply tweet pre-Race and weekend Race news using the hashtag #raceforall and Race sponsor J.P. Morgan will donate £1 per tweet to the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. Event website