#londonboatshow – For the first time ever sailing and fine art come together in an opening regatta live at the Show. For three days Fine Art Sails, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between world class yachting and internationally acclaimed fine artists, will descend on the Show at ExCeL to bring something truly different and exciting for spectators and Show visitors.
On Friday 18 through to Sunday 20 January 2013, ten Star class keelboats will take to the waters of the Royal Victoria Docks, outside the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show, to race in the introductory CNM Estates UK Star Championships.
The Olympic class boats, which were recently seen on the waters of Weymouth & Portland at the London 2012 Olympic Games, will be racing with a difference. Each mainsail will be completely covered in artwork by international artists such as Samantha Cameron's favourite EINE, Jaime Gili, INSA, Eley Kishimoto and MEAR ONE.
Over 18 renowned Olympic and World champion sailors, boasting up to 10 Olympic medals among them will be taking part in the regatta including triple Olympic medallist Iain Percy, double Olympic medallist Andrew Simpson and Olympic medallists Pippa Wilson, Ian Walker, Mark Covell, Michael McIntyre and Bryn Vaile.
Murray Ellis MD of National Boat Shows said: "We are delighted to be working with Fine Arts Sails to be hosting this inaugural regatta at the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show. This event will be a great complement to the Show adding a special attraction for Show visitors. For anyone who loves sailing and racing this is a fantastic opportunity to go onto the dock edge to watch the live racing. It was seen recently at the Olympic Games how popular sailing is as a spectator sport and this event brings something exciting and new that can be seen at the Show."
CNM Estates, led by Property Entrepreneur Michael Ross, are proudly sponsoring the event. Mr. Ross, founder of Fine Art Sails, speaking of the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show Fine Art Sails event said: "This is such an exciting and original collaboration between two such unlikely bedfellows, I am delighted to have conceived an idea that has caught the imagination of both the sailing and the fine art communities. I anticipate a rather unique battle between these fiercely competitive sailors as they bid to sail under their favourite artist".
The spectacle of these boats on the doorstep of the Show racing and displaying fine art will appeal to many whether you are a sailing enthusiast, art fanatic or sports addict. Continuing the high spirits from this year's sailing events at the Games this event is sure to bring another element to the legacy of sailing.
