Count down to Big V

Check for high profile Cork Week feeder race

With just over three weeks to go till the first ever Big V Sail leaves Portsmouth, bound for Cork, organisers have declared themselves delighted with the response to the new race.

Virgin Money, the company behind Big V Cancer Cover and the innovative new Cork Week 2006 feeder race, has promised a mix of hard racing and even harder partying, in true Virgin style. But with the deadline for registering boats drawing near and Cork Week talking about limiting numbers, owners are being urged to sign-up early to ensure their place on the start line on 10 July.

The race will be officially started by Ben Fogle the travel writer and TV personality. Ben will also be taking part in the race and has already announced his ambition to grab the official World Sailing Speed Record for the route to Cork.

Virgin Money Marketing Director Trevor Field said; “So far the response has been fantastic. It is a new event but it is one that has really captured the imagination of those heading up to Cork. Most of the boats in the Big V Sail are planning to race in Cork too, so we’d prefer everyone to be signed up good and early. We also want everyone to enjoy the whole event. The fun starts on the Sunday with the Big V World Cup Party so we are urging everyone to get the paperwork out of the way and ensure they are down at Gunwharf in good time.”

To help everyone get the most out of the whole five days, the organisers have issued a check list for those taking part.

Big V Sail 'Check list'

1. Get a move on! With Cork Week talking about capping numbers, don’t hang around! Make sure you are registered in good time for both Cork Week and the Big V Sail.
2. If you need crew, check out the Big V website: www. bigvevents.com
3. Likewise, if you are looking to crew on a boat to Cork - the Big V Sail is for you! All you need to do is register on the site and we’ll do the Cilla Black bit!
4. Sunday 9 July might well be the eve of the race start but it is the World Cup final as well! Get all the prep done and get down to Tiger Tiger for the official Big V World Cup Party - big screen, free drinks…
5. Don’t forget headache tablets….
6. Somewhere to stay? If you need a bed on dry land, Big V have teamed up with Solent Nightz who have agreed to donate 15% of each booking to the Big V’s male cancer charity; Everyman.
7. Clothing? If you are racing, your team needs to look the part. Big V crews get 10% off Fat Face TeamKit if you ring 02392 441143 or email us at teamkit@fatface.com

Virgin Money is supporting the Everyman Male Cancer Campaign and all proceeds from the Big V Sail will go to Everyman. Crew taking part in the Big V Sail will also be encouraged to raise at least £100 each in sponsorship.

The Big V is being run by Britannia Corporate Events. It is recognised by and affiliated to Royal Yachting Association (RYA) and raced under the racing rules of sailing in compliance with ISFA Offshore Regulation Category 2 monohulls 2006-2007.

The Big V Cancer Cover protects men and women and costs as little as £5 per month. You need to be between the ages of 18 and 64 to apply and the cover runs for an agreed term up to age 70. The three stage cover helps keep costs down and provides a quicker payout upon diagnosis. The cover will pay a lump sum benefit of up to £500,000, to spend on whatever you choose, which offers individuals and their families a way to help maintain and protect their financial quality of life while better enabling them to focus on their treatment and recovery.