Audi takes on naming rights of King of the Docklands

by Di Pearson on 9 Jan 2009 Luxury German carmaker Audi has taken on naming rights of the King of the Docklands, which will be in its second running from 21-22 January, 2009 - an announcement that is sure to delight the sailing fraternity. This two-day 'winner takes all' event is open only to those 25 crews who won their divisions at the 2008 Skandia Geelong Week - and what a battle it will be when participants discover what is at stake.

When it comes down to life's luxuries, who would not like a luxury car or a new boat? This regatta will make those dreams come true for one crew. Audi is providing a new Audi A4 2.0-litre TDI sedan and Oceanburo a new SB3, both to be presented to the newly crowned 'Audi King of the Docklands.'

Australia's most dominant sponsor of sailing events, Audi continues to create excitement in our sport and to increase numbers of competitors attending its regattas and races.

The 2009 Audi King of the Docklands will undoubtedly spur on competitors at this year's Skandia Geelong Week to leave nothing to chance if they want to be in the running next year.

To be sailed off Melbourne's prominent Docklands precinct, the Audi King of the Docklands will pit competitors against each other in identical SB3 dinghies in six knock-out heats - there is no room for error.
Competing skippers are able to choose their crew from any sailors who competed in their respective series last year and each crew will be given time on the water for practice.

The winners of each heat will progress to the evening final to be sailed on January 22. As per last year, the Audi King of the Docklands is expected to draw a large crowd of locals and holidaymakers to cheer on the racers.

Explaining Audi's decision to come aboard this unique event, adding to its many other sailing sponsorships, Joerg Hofmann, Managing Director of Audi Australia said: 'We embrace an event that brings sailing close to the public.

Spectators, families and crews alike can watch this battle take place from the wharf at Docklands. It is ideal that an event can bring sailing closer to the shore so the excitement can be shared by the general public.'

'We are also expanding our profile and investing in Melbourne with several key new sponsorships. Sailing is one of our major brand activities so this event is a clear winner for us.'

Wiley Geelong co-skippers Darren Pickering and Stefan Treurniet are included in the line-up to win the title and the Audi A4. Treurniet says the pair is very excited by the event.

'This is one of the most exciting things to happen in sailing. What a prize pool - we've never seen anything like it.

'Who in their right mind wouldn't want to win an Audi; we're really looking forward to it,' says the exuberant sailor, who with Pickering, won the Audi Series EHC Division three with their Hick 30, Larriken II.

'There's already been quite a bit of discussion between Darren and me as to how we'll carve up the Audi if we win - a chainsaw has been one option,' he laughed.

Others in the mix include IRC Division 1 winner, Bob Steel (Quest) who also won this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart overall.

Steel, from Sydney, just missed winning the 2008 Audi IRC Australian Championship by less than a point to another Sydney resident, Peter Sorensen (Philosophers Club), who he will face again in the Audi King of the Docklands.

'You wouldn't read about it,' said Steel. 'I was so hoping to win that car; it was quite devastating to miss out by less than a point!' He is thrilled to be getting a second chance

To be conducted between 6.00pm-9.00pm on January 21 and 22, spectators are encouraged to come and cheer on competitors.

Follow the action at: http://www.docklandsinvitational.com/kingofthedocklands/index.html