LA ROCHELLE, FRANCE - The VELUX Group, the world leader in the manufacture of roof windows and skylights, announced today the renewal of its title sponsorship of the VELUX 5 OCEANS, a 30,000 mile around the world solo sailing race that is regarded as the longest and toughest event for any individual in any sport.
“Our sponsorship of the 2006/07 race confirmed for us that this event is symbolic of VELUX key values - daylight and fresh air - and that the sponsorship also matches our strategic and commercial objectives,” said Michael Rasmussen, CMO for VELUX, from the Grand Pavois Boat Show. “The gross value of the worldwide media exposure we received in 2006/07 was in excess of 60 million Euros. In relation to the total cost of sponsorship, this was highly favourable.”
The VELUX Group, and the race’s British promoter, Clipper Ventures Plc, have not disclosed the amount of the sponsorship agreement, but the investment has significantly increased from the previous race. The increase is a sign both of the overall value of the sponsorship and of the ambition both partners have made to continuously lift the profile and interest of the race both on a local and international level.
“We saw a notable increase in brand awareness among our key markets and an overall increase in brand equity during and after the 2006/07 race,” said Michael Rasmussen. “The sponsorship has also helped create a sense of team spirit among our employees, who are spread around the globe in more than 40 markets in five continents.”
Through the course of the VELUX 5 OCEANS, skippers cross five oceans alone, starting in Europe and then sailing to Asia, Australia and the United States before returning to the finish in Europe. Along the way, they face the most treacherous and legendary waters on the planet. The extreme demands placed on the competitors are highlighted in the fact that fewer people have sailed solo around the world than have climbed Mt. Everest or journeyed to space.
“We are delighted to announce the ongoing sponsorship by VELUX for the 5 OCEANS asset,” said William Ward, CEO of Clipper Ventures PLC, listed on the AIM market in London (CLV:LN). “Now with three years to prepare for the next race, and a productive and positive relationship already established between Clipper and VELUX, the potential to develop the VELUX 5 OCEANS further is huge and we have high ambitions for the future of this great event.”
VELUX and Clipper Ventures will now work together to outline the exact format and timeframe of the next VELUX 5 OCEANS, which will start in either France or Spain in autumn 2010. A Race Advisory Board, composed of sponsors and previous competitors such as Alex Thomson, Derek Hatfield and Bernard Stamm has been established to provide recommendations for the continued development of the Ultimate Solo Challenge.
The details about the race route, stopover points and new features to the race are being finalised in the coming months and will be announced in early 2008.