THE TALL SHIPS RACES
Sail Training International has appointed marketing and sponsorship specialist Purple Tangerine to source commercial partners for The Tall Ships Races, the world’s largest public attendance sports event, showcasing the glamour, the magic and the spectacle of historic sailing ships.
Held each Summer in European waters, The Tall Ships Races bring together a fleet of 70 - 100 vessels from 20 plus countries, including many of the big and glamorous square-rigged ships that look like they have just sailed off a Hollywood set.
Organised by the charity Sail Training International, the events are focused upon the development and education of young people aged 15 - 25 through the sail training experience, regardless of nationality, culture, religion, gender or social background. The event has been described as the Voyage Of A Lifetime combining four days of activities in each port with racing or cruising-in-company between ports.
Nigel Jones, managing director of Purple Tangerine, says: “The Tall Ships Races are a great cause related marketing opportunity making a real difference to the lives of young people from all over the world. The ships crews comprise mainly young people aged 15 - 25 - generally around 8,000 each year from around 40 countries - who volunteer to take part in this unique event and gain an understanding of the values and skills required for teamwork and leadership.”
Many superlatives are used to describe The Tall Ships Races including: the world’s biggest gathering of tall ships; and the largest participatory sailing event for young people. Overall, The Tall Ships Races make a real difference to young peoples lives through the sailing experience. Sponsorship opportunities include Title naming rights as well as Official Partners and Official Supporters. Gwyn Brown, Commercial Director at Sail Training International, says: The Tall Ships Races are an ideal platform for companies to increase their brand awareness not only through advertising and PR coverage but through direct interaction with the worlds largest public attendance sports event. Sponsors can sample products and promote services at The Tall Ships Races events, which attract between 3 - 5 Million visitors based on 5 ports and 4 days in each port!
As well as branding and cause related marketing The Tall Ships Races offer numerous benefits including: Hospitality & Networking - opportunity to host corporate guests on glamorous ships from informal receptions to discreet gourmet dinners; Corporate Social Responsibility - through sponsoring the participation of young people as race trainee crew; Environment - through association with wind power Economic Impact - The Tall Ships Races have a massive economic impact for a country / city / port hosting a Tall Ships Race visit; Social Media - a massive opportunity to promote association through Facebook and Twitter and other social communities
For further information on commercial partnership and sponsorship opportunities see downloads thetallshipsraces.pdf