Bubb launches new Mini

And a new troupe of sponsors are to back his new boat

Kenmore Property Group, have extended their title sponsorship of Nick Bubb’s Mini Transat campaign into the 2004 season. The sponsorship incorporates both the Kenmore and Kenmore Homes brands with a formidable line up of sub-sponsors and technical partners for the innovative new boat, designed by Simon Rogers.

Kenmore is a successful UK-wide commercial investment and development company, founded by Chairman John Kennedy, in 1986. It has seen rapid expansion with offices based in Edinburgh, London and Manchester. Kenmore has recently undertaken a significant increase in its European activity in both France and Scandanavia.

Kenmore Homes was founded in 2001 by Chief Executive Bill Thomson. It has joint venture residential developments spanning the UK with offices in Edinburgh and Reading. It has recently diversified into direct developments.

Bill Thomson and John Kennedy commented: “We were very keen to be involved with this new project having seen the performance and dedication of Nick and his team during the 2003 season. His commitment to building a new boat in such a short space of time has been very impressive along with the innovations he has developed from the last boat. We are looking forward to another successful season on the water in 2004.”
Whittlebury Hall, Northamptonshire have also confirmed their sub-sponsorship of the boats innovative new wingmast. This technology takes advantage of new rules for the 2004/05 seasons and is the first of its kind in the class.

Lynne Bysouth-Kemp, Chief Executive, said: “As acclaimed winners of the Best Hotel Spa Award, The Spa at Whittlebury Hall are delighted to be associated with Nick Bubb. The Chairman of the group Michael Rockall has recently taken up residency at Woolverstone and sharing Nick’s passion for the sea was pleased to assist with the funding of his latest yacht. Whittlebury Hall, wish Nick every success.”

2004 sees a significant expansion in both the sub-sponsor and technical partnerships involved with the project. These include: Robert Forsdike Electrical Specialists, Plastimo, Harken, Greendesign, Quantum Sails, Wessex Resins, Z-Spars, Medusa Marine, Burges Salmon Solicitors, Ensors Chartered Accountants and Seamark Nunn.
The 2004 race programme in France is orientated towards early qualification for the 2005 Mini Transat:
Pornichet Select 6,50 300 Miles Solo 30 April - 2 May
Atlantique Qualifier 1000 Miles Solo 5- 20 May
Mini Cup 350 Miles Solo 29 May – 6 June
Mini Fastnet 700 Miles Double Handed 13- 20 June
Open Demi Cle 1000 Miles Double Handed 10 – 23 July

“I am really looking forward to getting Kenmore on the water for the 2004 season," commented Nick Bubb. "I would like to thank all our sponsors, technical partners and suppliers for making the project possible and supporting us during the long hours of boat building! We are aiming for consistency this year, with the emphasis on qualifying for 2005 and maximising the boats performance.”