The Island Sailing Club is inviting tenders for title sponsorship of the Round the Island Race™ from 2017 onwards, as J.P. Morgan Asset Management announced its conclusion of its 12 year sponsorship of the Race in 2016.
Enjoyed by competitors and supporters alike from around the world, there have been many highlights and race-specific developments as a result of J.P. Morgan Asset Management's sponsorship over the years, including:
- Charitable fundraising amounting to over £500,000
- Entries reaching a record of 1,908 in 2011
- Support for new technology initiatives such as Race Tracking and Live TV
- Celebration of the 80th anniversary with an historic art & photographic exhibition
- Documentaries on RTI on BBC Countryfile and Channel 4
- Strengthened race profile in the press
Mark Wynter, Commodore of the Island Sailing Club, that organises the annual 50 mile race around the Isle of Wight, said:
"It's always sad to end a dynamic and long-standing relationship but, equally, as we all know, 'all good things come to an end'. However, it's not really the end. J.P. Morgan Asset Management and its team will leave behind a superb legacy for us to nurture, including some terrific friendships and working relationships that will survive on and off the water and a solid and positive platform for the Race Management and Marketing teams to take forward into a new era."
Charity fundraising plays a huge part in the Round the Island Race. Dame Ellen MacArthur received a cheque from ISC Commodore Mark Wynter for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust for over £189,000 raised through its partnership with the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Round the Island Race back in Dec 2014. This figure has since risen by almost £43,000 during 2015 bringing the total to £226,364.25.
Jasper Berens, Head of UK Funds at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, said:
"After 12 fantastic years, 2016 will see the conclusion of our long-standing title sponsorship as the baton gets passed onto the next title sponsor. I've had the privilege of attending the race right from the outset of our sponsorship, so it's amazing to think how far the race has evolved and moved from strength to strength over that time and how widely regarded it has become.
"The message of thanks stretches far and wide, with so many individuals involved in helping to shape the race as we know it today. We'd also like to thank everyone that has participated in the race over the years too. It was a major collaborative effort and we wish the Island Sailing Club every success for the future."
The 85th edition of this globally recognised Race is being held on 2nd July which will be J.P. Morgan Asset Management's final outing as Title Sponsor. They intend to make it a true celebration of everything that is best and most loved about this extraordinary day on the water; a day that annually attracts over 1,500 yachts and 12,000 competitors.
