Artemis Even Keel Site in Cowes

Artemis Investment Management, one of the UK’s leading investment management companies and a key supporter of British sailing, has confirmed that it will sponsor the first site of the Even Keel Project for 2009, based at the UKSA centre in Cowes (Isle of Wight).

The Artemis Even Keel Site UK is designed to introduce sailing to a wider audience of disabled sailors throughout Britain. Utilising the innovative Artemis 20 yachts, the not-for profit project aims to promote disabled sailing and inspire individuals through the sport. Sailing opportunities are offered at no cost over the coming months out of the UKSA base. The UKSA is providing facilities and accommodation to disabled sailors who would not normally have the opportunity to discover sailing and take to the water.

Mark Tyndall, CEO of Artemis Investment Management, explained, “Artemis is committed to supporting and promoting sailing talent in Britain across the whole spectrum from professional ocean racing in IMOCA 60s through to grass roots sailing. Having supported the development of the Artemis 20 boat since its conception and having backed inspirational sailors like Hilary Lister as they seek to fulfil their life’s ambitions, it was a natural step for Artemis to support the UK site for the Even Keel Project in 2009. We are greatly looking forward to seeing how the project will impact the lives of many hundreds of people in this country and we hope it is the first of many around the world that can inspire and uncover new talent for the future.”

Dave Rutter, the Even Keel Project’s Chief Executive Officer, added, “We are very grateful to have the continued backing of Artemis in 2009, who has supported our vision since infancy. The exciting new Even Keel Project, which encourages disabled sailors to compete on level terms with able bodied sailors, is therefore delighted to establish our first site at UKSA in Cowes. The overriding philosophy of the Artemis 20 boats and the Even Keel Project supported by Artemis stems from the importance of accessibility and the idea of removing commonly perceived obstacles in order to create fun, fast and functional ways of enabling more people to enjoy being out on the water.”

Based in the heart of one of the world’s premier yachting centres, UKSA is a registered UK charity dedicated to changing peoples’ lives through its maritime training and experiences. UKSA inspires people of all ages enjoy the benefits of yachting and water sports. The charity, which provides maritime education and personal development opportunities for all, has been at the forefront of promoting excellence in maritime training for more than 20 years. UKSA also has a focus on disability, making this the perfect location for the first Even Keel site.

The Artemis Even Keel Site UK has already taken dozens of individuals with disabilities out into the Solent to experience sailing for the first time and bookings are full throughout August. The Even Keel team will be present throughout the famous Cowes Week regatta, providing the Artemis 20 fleet to injured servicemen from the Toe in the Water programme and highlighting the benefits of the project to a number of people.

The Even Keel Project is currently in the process of seeking to establish similar sites around the world with the aim of providing new opportunities to aspiring sailors, regardless of age, experience, physical ability or background. The vision is for each venue around the world to operate a fleet of six new Artemis 20 boats, with all the necessary equipment and on-going technical support so that individuals, groups, charities and other organisations can receive a comprehensive sailing experience completely free of charge. The Even Keel Project will also assist each partnership site in creating an ideal environment in which their members can develop their sailing skills to a competitive level. As soon as the first three venues are active, the Even Keel project aims to host a World Championship series which will provide a unique platform for Even Keel sailors to take part.