Figaro sponsor for Sam Matson

2014's leading British rookie signs up leading UK footwear brand

Leading British deck shoe brand, Chatham, is to be title sponsor for this year's Figaro campaign of Artemis Offshore Academy Alumni sailor Sam Matson.

As part of the title sponsorship deal, Chatham will provide Matson, one of the UK’s top aspiring young solo offshore racers, with the backing and support needed to compete on the Classe Figaro Bénéteau racing circuit in 2015.

A new ambassador for the British marine footwear company, Matson will be stepping into the new racing season in style, kitted out in Chatham’s sailing footwear shore side and on deck. Matson has also rebranded his faithful Artemis Figaro 21, his 32ft Figaro since 2012, in Chatham colours ahead of his first race of the 2015 season – the 196nm Solo Basse Normandie starting on 27 March. Figaro 21 will be rechristened Chatham in Torbay on Friday 13 March.

Having trained with the Artemis Offshore Academy for the past three years, Matson achieved top results in his first Solitaire du Figaro in 2014 (15th and 2nd Rookie) and he is now working hard towards this year’s event starting on 31 May.

While Chatham come onboard as his title sponsor for 2015, the Artemis Offshore Academy will still continue to support his campaign, as well as a number of smaller partners and suppliers who will be announced in due course.

Matson’s newly announced partnership with Chatham for 2015 is an exciting and well-earned leap forward in his professional solo sailing career. Equally it will come as a great confidence boost with just under a month to the start of the season.

“I am absolutely ecstatic to have Chatham aboard for my 2015 Class Figaro Bénéteau season," said Matson. "Like Artemis, Chatham is a truly great British company and I look forward to promoting their brand on the world’s stage for premier solo offshore racing.

“As the Bénéteau Figaro II is built for solo sailing, Chatham footwear is designed for a purpose – producing really comfy and stylish shoes for marine and country use. I’ll certainly be putting Chatham’s sailing range through its paces over the coming months, and I have no doubt they will be perfect for the challenges ahead.”

For Chatham, their sponsorship of Matson this season is not only an opportunity to get behind young British talent, but a means of showcasing their products in France and the UK.

Philip Marsh, Managing Director of Chatham, is delighted to be supporting Matson on the French solo offshore racing circuit this year: “This is an exciting partnership for the Chatham brand. Sam had a knock out first year on the Classe Figaro Bénéteau circuit and we wish him all the best in his 2015 solo offshore racing campaign as he takes on his second Solitaire du Figaro at the end of May. With a Chatham branded boat, team clothing and Sam racing in our sailing boots, it’s a fantastic opportunity to raise Chatham’s awareness in the marine market in the UK and France.”

The race is now on to prepare for the Solo Basse Normandie and subsequent races in 2015. The jewel in the Classe Figaro Bénéteau crown is the 2185 mile Solitaire du Figaro and this year the race will stop in Torbay over 17-21 June – the only UK stopover.