Vaikobi sponsor UK 420 class for 2023
by 420 Marketing Officer 31 May 2023 12:59 PDT
Vaikobi sponsor UK 420 class - sailors try out the new sunglasses © Jon Cawthorne
British International 420 Class are excited to announce a partnership with Vaikobi, performance kit suppliers. The 420 class in the UK is going from strength to strength building on a 50 boat National Championships in 2022, this year open events are attracting 30+ boats and both the European and Worlds teams were over-subscribed leading to a nail-biting selection series.
"Across the country we now count over 60 active boats, which is 120 young people (and a few older) regularly getting out on the water in a 420. For close, tactical racing no other youth boat can compete and it has long been the proving ground for international sailors of the future such as Eilidh McIntyre, Hannah Mills, Ian Walker, Jonny Merricks, Bettine Harris, and the list goes on. It is great to welcome Vaikobi and Patrick Langley to the family," said James George, British 420 Class Chair
Vaikobi will sponsor events throughout the year including the 'Vaikobi British 420 Class National Championships' which this year will take place over August Bank Holiday weekend at Plas Heli, North Wales. The Summer teams heading to Gdynia, Poland for the European Championships will also benefit from Vaikobi support with products tailored to the conditions, because no one understands how to protect from the elements like the team in Australia.
"We are keen to support both grassroots but also development sailing, and the young people sailing the 420 demand performance from all of their equipment, including their sailing kit. Not only are we happy to offer our support to them, but in return we receive feedback from sailors putting that kit through its paces," said Patrick Langley, CEO Vaikobi.
The summer team met at Weymouth over the bank holiday weekend and the conditions were perfect to try out the new Vaikobi sunglasses, with champagne conditions all weekend.
"I am really looking forward to competing in Poland, the conditions look ideal and now I have some great kit to ensure I can perform at my best," said Imogen Wade, 420 Summer Squad member.
The Summer team departs for Poland on the 30th June for the Junior European Championships and you can follow their progress with regular updates on the Yachts & Yachting news feed and the British 420 Class social channels.