Ocean BMW to sponsor inaugural Torbay Week

The very first Torbay Week, a brand new regatta bringing together sailors from across the Bay, is getting off to a sparkling start.

The official launch of the exciting new six-day event will be a high-powered affair as Ocean BMW (Torbay) is announced as the major event sponsor. The dealership, which currently has a showroom in Paignton, is to support the event with the largest amount ever paid in sponsorship for a Tor Bay based sailing regatta. It is a major coup for the organisers of the event, which will replace Torbay’s existing sailing regattas – Babbacombe, Royal Torbay, Paignton and Brixham – and will take place between Friday 22nd and Wednesday 27th August 2008, featuring a three-day championship for all classes and a two day Admiral’s Cup Team Event.

The event has sparked huge amounts of interest both locally and in other south coast ports and organisers are delighted that Ocean BMW has come on board.

Tim Whitehead, Director of Torbay Week, said the backing of such a prestigious firm would help raise the profile of the event considerably and help to make it even more of a success.

He said: “It’s fantastic news for everyone. This is the first time the four Bay sailing and yacht clubs have worked together and it’s very exciting. It will be a wonderful event which we hope will grow in future years.

“Ocean BMW has shown its support and commitment by coming in with us at the start. We are confident it will be a huge success with first class competition.”

He added: “We wanted an event which will appeal to all, which is why we have some special races planned including the Admiral’s Cup team racing. We’ve already had much initial interest in the event from our local sailors and I hope that sailors from further afield will come and join us to help make this a truly memorable week.”

Gary Bolton, General Manager from Ocean BMW said he was thrilled to be involved with the first ever Torbay Week.

“The event fits our ethos exactly and we are confident that this, the first time the event has been held, will be a huge success. 2008 is a very big year for Ocean BMW with our redevelopment plans and move to the new Edginswell Business Park scheduled for later in the year. As a company we are totally committed to Torbay and this sponsorship deal enables us to put something back into the area.”

Internationally, BMW has already been heavily involved with sailing, particularly with its sponsorship of the America’s Cup racing.

Ocean BMW Torbay Week will not only provide world-class racing for yachts and dinghies in the Tor Bay area but also a full schedule of après- sailing entertainment around the Bay’s three harboursides.

Organisation of the event is being undertaken by a management team comprising representatives from the Babbacombe, Brixham, Paignton and Royal Torbay clubs as well as the Torbay Development Agency. Aviva Pearson, Director of Tourism at the TDA, commented: “This event is set to become an important part of the country’s sailing calendar, and will be superb not just for competitors but for spectators and everyone else involved. We are really looking forward to our partnership with Ocean BMW in 2008.”

Throughout the week there will be free berthing at town moorings and free launching for any dinghies taking part. There will also be the usual parties, live music and après-sail after racing in Babbacombe Corinthian Sailing Club, Brixham Yacht Club, Paignton Sailing Club and Royal Torbay Yacht Club.

A new website - www.torbayweek.co.uk – is in the process of being constructed which will give further details on the week’s racing.