Lexus of Hawke’s Bay Signs as 21st Flying Fifteen Worlds Sponsor

by Rhondda Poon on 14 Dec 2016 Lexus of Hawke’s Bay today announced that they have signed an agreement with the Napier Sailing Club to be the naming sponsor of the 21st Flying Fifteen World Championship.

CEO, Angus Helmore said this this was a great opportunity to support an iconic Hawke’s Bay organisation and be associated with an international event.

Angus Helmore, Lexus of Hawke’s Bay CEO said that he is delighted with the 21st Flying Fifteen World Championship association. “The event aligns well with Lexus of Hawke’s Bay as it is about innovation, excellence through working together and supporting the Napier Sailing Club - which plays a big part in the local community.”

The Convenor of the 21st Flying Fifteen International Championship, Graeme Robinson said that it was wonderful that Lexus of Hawke’s Bay had agreed to join the Napier Sailing Club as the naming sponsor.

“There are already 50 boats entered for the World Championship and their two-person crews will arrive from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, Hong Kong and all parts of New Zealand in mid-February. Many visitors will arrive early so they can participate in Art Deco Weekend events before the ten days of racing commences on 22nd February 2017.”

For many of the overseas competitors and their supporters, it will be their first visit to Napier and Hawke’s Bay. There has been an enthusiastic response to the promotion of the many attractions that the Hawke’s Bay has to offer.

The Flying Fifteen World Championship is held every two years and will run from 20th February to 3rd March.

The Championship regatta includes the New Zealand Flying Fifteen Nationals, which runs before the World Championship.
“Napier is a wonderful city for international events,” said Mr Robinson. “And the Napier Sailing Club is renowned for having the capacity and facilities to hold a very successful regatta.” Mr Robinson said that the Championship expects to host about 60 crews from around the world. “We have had such a strong response from crews, it has been very exciting to hear from many international sailors”.

The Napier Sailing Club is celebrating its 125th Anniversary this season and is looking forward to the Lexus of Hawke’s Bay Flying Fifteen World Championship in February as well as its own New Year regatta and the Art Deco regatta on Art Deco weekend. Over 100 volunteers will be working in the February event.