Please select your home edition
Edition
Exposure Marine

IWC Schaffhausen to sponsor Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing

by TCA Abu Dhabi 18 Sep 2013 00:53 PDT 18 September 2013
A Winning Partnership ' Abu Dhabi & IWC team up for Volvo Ocean Race 2014/15 © Ainhoa Sanchez

Swiss luxury watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen has announced its agreement with Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) to become the first major sponsor of its new-look Volvo Ocean Race 2014–15 team, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing - which returns to the gruelling round-the-world sailing odyssey for a second shot at glory.

The partnership, which also sees IWC Schaffhausen reignite its Official Timekeeper status for the forthcoming Volvo Ocean Race, came at the newly opened IWC boutique at The Galleria at Sowwah Square on Al Maryah Island – Abu Dhabi's largest high-end shopping destination.

The Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing partnership, which continues from the 2011–12 edition when the team became the first Arab-flagged entry in the race, opens up considerable marketing and engagement opportunities globally as the race calls at 10 cities across four continents, starting in Alicante, Spain, in October next year.

"Abu Dhabi and IWC Schaffhausen have forged a deep-rooted spirit based on the fundamentals of tradition, a desire for perfection and winning mentality. We saw these core values come to the fore during the last campaign, and they are the building blocks of our future cooperation that will see both brands ride high on another wave of success across the globe," said Faisal Al Sheikh, Director – Events Bureau, TCA Abu Dhabi, which is also behind the UAE capital hosting the third stopover of the 2014-15 race over Christmas and New Year.

IWC and Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing made a number of headline-grabbing initiatives in the last race, including hosting two of the world's most pre-eminent footballers of their generations: Luís Figo and Zinédine Zidane, on board the team's state-of-the-art yacht, Azzam (determination).

Karoline Huber, Regional Brand Director of IWC Middle East & India, said that fans can expect much more from the next campaign in Abu Dhabi.

"The Volvo Ocean Race is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular round-the-world sailing events. We are proud to be part of this exceptional test of sailing prowess, which attracts the very best teams on the planet," said Huber.

"Through Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing we continue to grow the synergies between our two brands: precision, technology, engineering and innovation. With our unabated commitment to the emirate, the launch of our new boutique at The Galleria and plans for the UAE capital's hosting of next year's race stopover, we fully expect to make big waves across the region and the world together."

Abu Dhabi city will host the third 2014–15 Volvo Ocean Race stopover from mid-December 2014 until 3 January 2015.

The UAE capital will welcome the fleet from Cape Town (South Africa). The Abu Dhabi Etihad Airways In-Port Race, which was won by home favourites Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing in the last edition, will take place on 2 January 2015, with the fleet departing for Sanya (China) the following day.

Related Articles

24th Argentario Sailing Week day 1
West wind, calm sea and fair play set the scene for a spectacular first day of racing Argentario Sailing Week is off to a flying start! A perfect sample of the Argentario's typical summer beauty brought idyllic weather conditions to the first day of the international regatta reserved exclusively for vintage and classic yachts. Posted on 19 Jun
Facing Everything and Rising
Henri-Lloyd is proud to support Jazz Turner as her official clothing partner Some vessels carry more than crew and sail; they carry a mission. At Henri-Lloyd, we're proud to spotlight individuals like Jazz who embody the spirit of exploration and innovation. Posted on 19 Jun
Edgartown Race Weekend ready to host 40 teams
The 'RTI could possibly be the most spectacular in terms of venues Edgartown Race Weekend's 88th 'Round-the-Island Race ('RTI) is scheduled for Saturday, June 21 and will see 40 boats at the 8:00 am start off Edgartown's Outer Harbor. Posted on 19 Jun
2026 Newport Bermuda Race entry opens Friday
Iconic offshore race to celebrate 120 years and 100 years of historic partnership The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee is proud to announce that entry opens Friday June 20, 2025 at 1300 EDT, for the 2026 Newport Bermuda Race, one year prior to the start on Friday June 19, 2026 at the same time. Posted on 19 Jun
Rolex TP52 World Championship preview
The pinnacle event of the 52 SUPER SERIES will be held at Cascais The annual Rolex TP52 World Championship represents the top tier of monohull grand prix sailing. Held as the pinnacle event of the 52 SUPER SERIES, of which Rolex is also Official Timepiece, the regatta is one of the most revered in the sport. Posted on 19 Jun
Gitana 18, a new off the wall work
A 32-metre long and 23-metre wide flying carbon giant is taking shape For the past eighteen months, a new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, a 32-metre long and 23-metre wide flying carbon giant, has been taking shape hidden from view behind the doors of the CDK Keroman shed in Lorient. Posted on 19 Jun
Ullman Sails Long Beach Race Week starts Friday
115+ competitors race ready for 20th edition of legendary West Coast event With some 115 boats signed up to participate in the 20th edition of Ullmans Sails Long Beach Race week, the regatta is thrilled to welcome plenty of newcomers to enjoy three days of world-class sailing in the best racing conditions Posted on 19 Jun
Competitors readying for epic battle
Distance racing is inherently an uncomfortable sport Enjoying a spectacular evening cocktail reception overlooking Newport Harbor, one competitor in the upcoming Transatlantic Race 2025, which starts tomorrow off Castle Hill Lighthouse just after 1 pm. Posted on 18 Jun
Finn World Masters in Medemblik day 3
Pieter-Jan Postma continues to lead after 5 races Pieter-Jan Postma, from The Netherlands, continues to dominate the Finn World Masters in Medemblik, The Netherlands, after a fifth race was sailed on Wednesday in a north-westerly breeze building from 8-12 knots during the afternoon. Posted on 18 Jun
24th Argentario Sailing Week day 0
Historic boats from 9 nations have gathered in Porto Santo Stefano Historic boats have gathered in Porto Santo Stefano to take on the 24th edition of the prestigious Argentario Sailing Week, organised by the Yacht Club Santo Stefano with the tangible support of the Monte Argentario Municipal Council. Posted on 18 Jun
Exposure MarinePalm Beach Motor YachtsAllen Dynamic 40 Footer