LA ROCHELLE, FRANCE - The VELUX Group, the world leader in the manufacture of roof windows and skylights, announced today the renewal of its title sponsorship of the VELUX 5 OCEANS, a 30,000 mile around the world solo sailing race that is regarded as the longest and toughest event for any individual in any sport.
"Our sponsorship of the 2006/07 race confirmed for us that this event is symbolic of VELUX key values - daylight and fresh air - and that the sponsorship also matches our strategic and commercial objectives," said Michael Rasmussen, CMO for VELUX, from the Grand Pavois Boat Show. "The gross value of the worldwide media exposure we received in 2006/07 was in excess of 60 million Euros. In relation to the total cost of sponsorship, this was highly favourable."
The VELUX Group, and the race’s British promoter, Clipper Ventures Plc, have not disclosed the amount of the sponsorship agreement, but the investment has significantly increased from the previous race. The increase is a sign both of the overall value of the sponsorship and of the ambition both partners have made to continuously lift the profile and interest of the race both on a local and international level.
"We saw a notable increase in brand awareness among our key markets and an overall increase in brand equity during and after the 2006/07 race," said Michael Rasmussen. "The sponsorship has also helped create a sense of team spirit among our employees, who are spread around the globe in more than 40 markets in five continents."
Through the course of the VELUX 5 OCEANS, skippers cross five oceans alone, starting in Europe and then sailing to Asia, Australia and the United States before returning to the finish in Europe. Along the way, they face the most treacherous and legendary waters on the planet. The extreme demands placed on the competitors are highlighted in the fact that fewer people have sailed solo around the world than have climbed Mt. Everest or journeyed to space.
"We are delighted to announce the ongoing sponsorship by VELUX for the 5 OCEANS asset," said William Ward, CEO of Clipper Ventures PLC, listed on the AIM market in London (CLV:LN). "Now with three years to prepare for the next race, and a productive and positive relationship already established between Clipper and VELUX, the potential to develop the VELUX 5 OCEANS further is huge and we have high ambitions for the future of this great event."
VELUX and Clipper Ventures will now work together to outline the exact format and timeframe of the next VELUX 5 OCEANS, which will start in either France or Spain in autumn 2010. A Race Advisory Board, composed of sponsors and previous competitors such as Alex Thomson, Derek Hatfield and Bernard Stamm has been established to provide recommendations for the continued development of the Ultimate Solo Challenge.
The details about the race route, stopover points and new features to the race are being finalised in the coming months and will be announced in early 2008.
For video clips or images free for editorial use and more information about VELUX 5 OCEANS, please visit www.velux5oceans.com.
For interview requests, please contact: Lone Ellersgaard, VELUX A/S, +45 4516 4818, email: press@velux.com
Notes to editors
About the VELUX 5 OCEANS – The Ultimate Solo Challenge
The VELUX 5 OCEANS is the oldest and most established, single-handed round-the-world yacht race. With a rich sporting heritage, the race has been contested every four years since 1982, previously under the titles of ‘BOC Challenge’ and more recently ‘Around Alone.’ The ultimate in human endeavour, more people have climbed Mount Everest and travelled to the moon than have completed a solo circumnavigation.
In 2006, the race celebrated its 25th Anniversary and has developed a special partnership with title sponsor VELUX. Over the years, the race has consistently attracted a wide array of entries from around the globe, making heroes of many celebrated yachtsmen and women, including Mike Golding, Philippe Jeantot, Giovanni Soldini, Jean-Luc van den Heede, Isabelle Autissier, Bernard Stamm and Emma Richards.
www.velux5oceans.com
About The VELUX Group
VELUX creates better living environments with daylight and fresh air through the roof. Our product programme contains a wide range of roof windows and skylights, along with solutions for flat roofs. In addition, VELUX offers many types of decoration and sun screening, roller shutters, installation products, products for remote control and thermal solar panels for installation in roofs. VELUX, which has manufacturing companies in 10 countries and sales companies in more than 40 countries, is one of the strongest brands in the global building materials sector and its products are sold in most parts of the world. The VELUX Group has around 9,500 employees and is owned by VKR Holding A/S. VKR Holding A/S is a limited company wholly owned by foundations and family. For more details, visit www.velux.com
Facts about the VELUX sponsorship
The sponsorship of the around-the-world adventure supports the VELUX key values - daylight and fresh air. The Ultimate Solo Challenge to the skippers is parallel to the requirements to the VELUX core products - roof windows and skylights – which are exposed to all kinds of weather. There is no such thing as nearly watertight and the products must always perform in all conditions, regardless of cold, storms, dry spells, or blizzards. Quality, technology, and endurance are the key words.
VELUX 5 OCEANS matches the VELUX brand, values, strategies, and markets. The company works with daylight in buildings and thus with the importance of natural environment to the well-being of human beings. The characteristics of yachting correspond to our company’s ambition of constantly mastering the elements, having the commitment to push boundaries and always doing so in a sportsmanlike and responsible manner.
About Clipper Ventures Plc
This year marks the 37th anniversary of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston's historic solo and non-stop circumnavigation in 1970. Now, as Chairman of Clipper Ventures PLC, he is at the forefront of promoting round-the-world yacht racing. Clipper Ventures, the marine sports company founded in 1995 and listed on AIM stock market in London in 1999, is focussed on developing and promoting major events capable of attracting significant participation, income, media coverage and associated sponsorship revenue. The company owns the rights to the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, the VELUX 5 OCEANS, and Zapcat Racing, the world's largest one-design powerboat series.
www.clipper-ventures.com