Fourth female entry

Pip Hildesley to compete in this year's OSTAR with backing from Cazenove Capital

Cazenove Capital is to sponsor Pip Hildesley in this year’s Ostar. Pip, 35 from Felixstow will be making her singlehanded racing debut as one of only four female skippers in the 40 strong fleet. She decided to enter the race last year and proceeded to gain single handed experience by sailing her 22 year old Oyster Lightwave 395 back from South America to Southampton in March this year.

Since her arrival back in the UK in March she has been re-fitting her boat Cazenove Capital at Suffolk Boat Yard who have been helping her to meet tight deadlines. To optimise the performance of her yacht, she has been assisted by America’s Cup designer, Derek Clark and naval architect husband, Lawrence along with Quantum East and Rig Magic. She hopes that as a result everyone’s hard work she will be well prepared to keep Cazenove Capital in contention with the rest of the fleet during the 2,500 mile race.

Hildesley commented: "Cazenove have always been great believers in my ability; encouraging me to take my sailing to a higher level. Participation in this race is the opportunity of a life time and now I am hungry to prove myself and make the most of this experience. At 35 I am a relative late comer to the sport but given the chance I plan to make a successful debut."

Robin Minter-Kemp, Managing Director of Cazenove Capital added: 'We are delighted that Pip has agreed to have Cazenove Capital as her title race sponsor. She is already familiar to a large number of our clients due to her successes racing with us during Cowes Week. We wish her every success in her preparation for and participation in the 2009 OSTAR race in 30 days' time."