Grinders Coffee signs with CYCA; broadcast of Grinders Coffee SOLAS Big Boat Challenge tomorrow

Managing Director Shane Richardson with CYCA Commodore Paul Billingham © Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

Grinders Coffee Roasters has today signed on as naming-rights sponsor of the CYCA's Grinders Coffee SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, taking place tomorrow (Tuesday 11 December) 12:30pm in Sydney Harbour.

The Grinders Coffee SOLAS Big Boat Challenge, to be broadcast on CYCA channels tomorrow, is one of Australian sailing's most-watched lead-up events prior to the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, for which Grinders Coffee is now also an event supporter.

Launching Grinders Coffee's new partnership with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) earlier this morning from the Club's iconic home in Sydney's Rushcutters Bay, Managing Director Shane Richardson said, "The partnership is a perfect reflection of our commitment to make sure the Grinders Coffee brand continues to be known for quality, at the same time remaining true to the fifty-plus years of Australian heritage that we're very proud of.

"From tomorrow's prelude right through to Boxing Day and in Hobart as the fleet arrives, we're really excited at the chance to work with CYCA to engage everyone from spectators to participants and bring a new premium coffee experience to the event."

Speaking on behalf of CYCA, Commodore Paul Billingham said, "It's very exciting for the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia to partner with Grinders Coffee to deliver the Grinders Coffee SOLAS Big Boat Challenge. The Grinders Coffee SOLAS Big Boat Challenge is traditionally one of Australian sailing's biggest days and most important events – and this partnership will help take the race to more people both around the country and across the world."

As part of the partnership, the CYCA will broadcast the Grinders Coffee SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on its Facebook page, website and YouTube channel. Tuesday's broadcast will feature commentary from sports legend Gordon Bray, sailing expert Peter Shipway and Olympic Silver Medallist Olivia Price. You can also follow the action using the event hashtag #GrindersCoffeeSBBC.

"We're very excited to partner with such an exciting brand and to, in turn, broadcast the Grinders Coffee SOLAS Big Boat Challenge via the CYCA Facebook page and YouTube channel," Billingham says.

"This partnership is going to be great for sailing fans around the world, with the event such an important indicator of who's in the running to claim Line Honours in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. We're very excited to be involved with Grinders Coffee and thankful for their support of sailing and the Grinders Coffee SOLAS Big Boat Challenge."

The announcement comes just months after Grinders Coffee was unveiled as official coffee partner for another iconic Australian event, the 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Grinders Coffee will play a part in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, with participants and fans alike able to sample the Melbourne-roasted coffee in the official Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race – Hobart Village from 27 December at Constitution Dock.