Round the Island Race gets a sponsor

Good news for the Island Sailing Club and the UK's largest regatta

JPMorgan Fleming Asset Management have announced a three year title sponsorship of the Island Sailing Club's annual Round the Island Race. The arrangement begins with the 2005 race to be held on 18 June. JPMorgan Fleming Asset Management are planning an exciting weekend of activities that weekend - to be revealed at the London Boat Show in January.

Over 1,600 yachts are expected to take part in the 2005 event from maxi-yachts to sports boats, from speedy multihulls to sedate old-timers, with Admiral’s Cup skippers and Olympic Medallists, competing alongside families having fun; the race is a multitude of races within one race.

The 2005 Round the Island Race will also be an important fixture in the Trafalgar Bicentenary celebrations and many of the competitors will be on the water in a more relaxed mode to see the International Fleet Review ten days later.

Jonathan Watts-Lay, Head of Marketing UK Retail, JPMorgan Fleming, says: “We are delighted to be the title sponsor of the Round the Island Race 2005, joining an established family of partners. The race is one of the most spectacular races in the world and with our commitment to sailing we feel this is a great opportunity to become more involved and add value to sailing for everyone - professionals, families and enthusiasts.”

Peter Dickson, Commodore of the Island Sailing Club,says: “The Club is very pleased to welcome JPMorgan Fleming as title sponsors of our Round the Island Race. The event has grown over the 68 years since its inception, and regularly attracts around 10,000 keen sailors. The challenge appeals to elite professional yachtsman as well as those entering a race for the first time.

With JPMorgan Fleming's sponsorship, the Club can continue its commitment to making the Round the Island Race one of the world's most popular and eagerly awaited sailing contests. We look forward to our next race on the 18 June 2005."