#moth – Stewart Hosford, the yacht racing industry executive who identifed Cork harbour's potential as a 'Global Yacht Racing Hub', has signed up a top Chinese Asset Management company as a sponsor of a high profile Moth regatta.
At a press briefing held at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, London, ZhongJin, one of Shanghai's leading Asset Management companies, was announced as Primary Regatta Sponsor for the 2015 Shanghai International Regatta. The Shanghai International Regatta presented by ZhongJin, is the first professional sailing event to take place on the Huangpu River.
Hosford, who grew up in Cork and manages British solo sailor Alex Thomson, said last October he was in 'discussions' to see how he can support Minister Coveney's ambitions for Cork Harbour.
Hosford, Managing Director of 5 West Ltd, co-organiser of the Chinese regatta commented: "We are delighted to welcome ZhongJin as Primary Regatta Sponsor for the first Shanghai International Regatta. ZhongJin are a highly respected organization in Shanghai, so it is fantastic that they have given their support to our regatta."
Also announced was the line-up of sailors due to take part in the Moth Invitational section of the regatta. Leading international sailors, including Chris Rashley (GBR), Josh McKnight (Aus) and Kalle Costa (NED), will make up a fleet of 12 Moths competing on the Huangpu River.
Chris Rashley who has finished in the top 5 in the last two Moth World Championships is very excited to be making history in Shanghai: "I am very much looking forward to competing in the Shanghai International Regatta presented by ZhongJin. I have been privileged to sail in some amazing places in my career, so to be one of the first professional sailors to compete on the Huangpu River is a fantastic."
Previous America's Cup World Series syndicate, China Team, will represent China in a head to head Match Racing series in M2 Catamarans against Team GREAT Britain. Team GREAT Britain will race under the colors of The GREAT Britain Campaign, which works to showcase the very best of what Britain has to offer. At the Press Briefing, China Team was represented by Chinese Olympic Gold Medallist Xu Lijia and Team GREAT Britain was represented by British ocean racing star Alex Thomson, both of whom are Official Regatta Ambassadors. The crews for both teams will be announced in the coming weeks.