Teams rev-up for BMW UK Sailing Cup

by Jo Gawith on 26 Jul 2007
The second BMW Sailing Cup gets underway Thursday as twelve teams, from BMW UK dealers across the country, prepare to battle it out on the Solent. The crews of up to seven individuals will compete in Sunfast 37s for the chance to represent the UK in the BMW Sailing Cup World Final (venue to be decided).

Over 1,400 amateur sailors entered last year’s BMW Sailing Cup. Having clinched victory by just 0.5 point last year, UK winners Scotthall Hampshire, from Chandlers Ford, will be looking to defend their title.

Their prize included a trip of a lifetime to Valencia in April, not only to compete in the thee-day World Final but also to enjoy the spectacle of the America’s Cup as guests of BMW ORACLE Racing. The crew, who finished third behind winners Team Germany and hosts Team Spain, joined a total of 35 finalists represented by seven different nations from around the world.

Staged off Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth on July 26-27, this year’s event sees a revised two-day format, allowing competitors a chance to familiarise themselves with the yachts ahead of the fleet racing on Friday. Organised in conjunction with the Royal Thames Yacht Club, the event will consist of up to four races around a windward /leeward course set by the organisers.

On Thursday evening all participants will be treated to a unique evening of dinner and entertainment on board the spectacular HMS Warrior, which is docked in Gunwharf Quays.

Peter Walker, General Manager, Sports Marketing, BMW (UK), commented: 'BMW’s involvement in the America’s Cup provided an ideal platform to launch the first ever BMW Sailing Cup International last year, which proved a great success. In keeping with our other sporting initiatives, including the BMW Golf Cup International, it’s a wonderful way of uniting BMW customers and employees from around the globe.'

This year’s UK entrants include:

1. Barons Group
2. Park Lane
3. Scotthall Hampshire
4. Wollaston
5. Ocean
6. Snows Portsmouth
7. Vines Vikings
8. Westerly Yeovil
9. Barry Motors
10. Wood of Bournemouth
11. Martin Reilly Ireland
12. Soper of Lincoln