J.P. Morgan Extends Round the Island Race Sponsorship

J.P. Morgan have announced they will continue to sponsor the Round the Island Race until 2016

The Island Sailing Club (ISC) in Cowes, organisers of this most famous annual one-day Round the Island Race that was first held in 1931 and comprises a 50nm course around the Isle of Wight held each June, has confirmed a two-year extension to the current deal.

It made the announcement at the London Boat Show on the J.P. Morgan BAR AC45 stand, exhibiting the very boat which broke the Race Multihull record last year.

J.P. Morgan has sponsored the Island Race since 2005 and also announced title sponsorship of Sir Ben Ainslie and his team BAR in the Extreme Sailing Series 2014.

Jasper Berens, Head of UK Funds Business at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, said: “We’ve been involved in sailing for the last decade as title sponsor of the Race and we are also into our eighth year as title sponsor of Sir Ben Ainslie, which includes sponsoring his entry into the Extreme Sailing Series 2014 with his team J.P. Morgan BAR, so today’s announcements further confirms our commitment to the sport.

“J.P. Morgan’s involvement in sailing continues to be thoroughly rewarding, not just in terms of our brand but also in helping us connect with our existing and potential clients. To be involved in an event like the Round the Island Race, organised by the Island Sailing Club, with the best sailors in the world competing alongside amateurs is an honour and we hope our support can make the event a great success.”

Commodore of the ISC, John Dudley, speaking on behalf of the entire Race management team said: “This Race, the largest of its kind in the world, continues to evolve under the ISC’s stewardship. However, with J.P. Morgan Asset Management, we have been fortunate to work hand in hand with a Title Sponsor and our Race Partners who fully support and help us launch new initiatives.”

Dudley continued, “Over the past nine years of J.P. Morgan’s sponsorship, the Round the Island Race has developed beyond everyone’s expectations with new technological initiatives being introduced, alongside fundamental improvements such as the provision of free water taxis to ferry competitors from berth to boat and back.

“We have also been fortunate to enjoy hosting Sir Ben Ainslie, also sponsored by J.P. Morgan, and the Race media coverage has broadened as a result. We enjoy working with J.P. Morgan’s team for the benefit of everyone associated with the Race.”