BarzOptics ramps up marketing in the US and sponsorships

by Jeni Bone on 7 May 2011 In the lead up to Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Barz Optics is looking forward to the launch of two products, and planning for an all out US assault in the second half of 2011.

'The US is our focus this year,' says Kevin Barr, owner of Barz Optics. 'We have found the sailing market is a lot more recession proof than the motor boat segment,' he adds, surmising that sailors are possibly self-funded retirees or died-in-the-wool dedicated.

Off the back of a successful METS 2010 and the Pacific Sail Expo in San Francisco in October, Kevin will be attending the Newport Rhode Island show in September, as well as the US Sail Boat Show in Anapolis and METS in Holland in November.

From METS in November, Kevin signed up international distributors in Norway, Belgium, Holland and Italy.

Closer to home, Barz Optics will sponsor four major activities over the next couple of months.

Barz Optics has outfitted the complete Save Our Seas crew for their record attempt. Ian thompson the founder of SOS Australia is due to leave Sydney this weekend with Jim Cooney (owner of Brindabella) and 15 crew to sail Brindabella the iconic yacht non stop around Australia to break the current record of 26 days. To bring awareness of the impact that plastic bags have on our ocean environment.

Barz Optics is onboard to supplying sunglasses for the Best Expedition in the World. Ben Southall the winner of Tourism Qld’s Best Job In the World campaign, is due to start the Best Expedition in the World, sailing and paddling a Hobie Mirage outrigger kayak from 1770 to Cooktown over winter. Ben will follow Captain Cook’s Journey through the Great Barrier Reef. Ben’s kayak has been sponsored by Sunstate Hobie, his support vessel by Sunsail and his parents will drive the coast in a motorhome from Apollo manning his website as they go.

The company is also involved in the Honda Over the Top venture. Peter and Phillip Jenkins will travel from Sydney to Perth via Cape York (9500km) in a 8.5 metre rubber duckie, promoting awareness of Prostate Cancer and the need for men to be double tested.
Barz Optics will sponsor the guys as well as supplying them with sunglasses to raffle at each of their 26 stopovers. The expedition aims to raise $200,000 for research. More at overthetop.com

Barz Optics will also supply polarised sunglasses to the Australian team of sailors and officials for the Special Olympics in Greece later this year.

At Sanctuary Cove, Barz Optics will launch the Badu range, RRP $95, with photochromatic polarised lenses, for marine and cycling markets. A fully-floating model will be ready by the Sydney International Boat Show in July and will be a boon for all people engaged in water sports and activities.
Barz Optics will have two booths at the show – one on Masthead Way and the other on A Arm on the marinas. Industry and exhibitors can display their ID or passes and receive 25% off the Barz Optics range of sunglasses during the show.

More at www.barzoptics.com