AS St. Lucia Yacht Club counts down to its third Mango Bowl Regatta, an impressive lineup of sponsors have come on board to support the island’s annual international yachting event, which takes place in Rodney Bay from November 28 to 30.
Members of the local sports media gathered on Tuesday at the SLYC Clubhouse to hear about this year’s event from the Organising Committee and key sponsors of the island’s premier competitive regatta.
Doctor Stephen King, SLYC Commodore was on hand to set the scene with welcome remarks and an outline of the vision for the Mango Bowl Regatta in its third year and into the future. Not only does Dr. King see the benefits to the sailing tourism product, but he talked of the regional rivalries among visiting boats and the importance of showing off the island at its best.
This year, United Insurance will head the roster as Gold Sponsor in a collaboration which continues from 2013. Marketing Manager Josette Edgar says: “There is no doubt that the region’s cruising and racing community, and visitors and residents alike, are all eagerly looking forward to yet another exciting and highly competitive Mango Bowl Regatta. It is with this in mind that United Insurance has upgraded from Silver Sponsors in 2013 to Gold Sponsors in 2014.
At the press launch, Chairman United Insurance Anthony Bergasse spoke about the underpinning priority of the regatta, which is to support and develop the sport in St. Lucia through the National Youth Sailing Programme, and he reiterated United Insurance’s commitment to the Yacht Club as they continue to grow the programme.
Other main Sponsors are Dive St. Lucia, Rodney Bay Marina and Blue Waters (all Silver Sponsors) and Island Water World, Yamaha, Body Holiday Le Sport, Harmony Suites Chairman Reserve (Bronze Sponsors).