Entry opening of the UK’s only women’s regatta gets off to a flying start as Dubarry comes onboard

Women's Open Keelboat Championship

The Women’s Open Keelboat Championship has today opened its doors for entries to its 2010 competition, being hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club in Hamble between 24 and 25 July.

In another exciting development, Dubarry of Ireland, the prestigious marine footwear and clothing firm, has agreed to continue as race sponsor, having supported the Women’s Open Keelboat Championship since it launched in 2008.

Dubarry’s marketing director, Michael Walsh, said: “Being associated with the UK’s only women’s regatta fits perfectly with our strategy of broadening our Marine Collections appeal to ladies. Our footwear is already hugely popular and there are plans for Spring/Summer 2011 to strengthen our ladies clothing offering. Our Country Lifestyle collection currently enjoys a very strong following with ladies as a trip to Badminton or Burghley Horse Trials will confirm.”

As race sponsor, Dubarry of Ireland will present first, second and third placed teams in each class with generous prizes. Free Dubarry caps will also be given to the first ten skippers to sign up for the 2010 Championship.

“Dubarry of Ireland is a fantastic brand to have supporting the Women’s Open Keelboat Championship. We are delighted they have agreed to be involved in the event for a third year,” comments Emma Beagley, an organiser of the Championship.

“Now entry is open, we’d encourage of those of you who would like to take part in this year’s event to sign up. The Women’s Open Keelboat Championship is a very competitive regatta, and it’s also open to women of all abilities. So if you are interested in taking part, please get in touch.”

How to enter

This year, the Royal Southern Yacht Club is operating an online entry system for those who prefer to enter this way. The first step is to visit the Royal Southern Yacht Club website: www.royal-southern.co.uk and follow the instructions.

You will also find entry information on the Women’s Open Keelboat Championship website, which has lots of other useful details such as berthing options and car parking arrangements. Visit: www.wokc.co.uk


Ends

Notes to Editors:

1. Women's Open Keelboat Championship

- The Women's Open Keelboat Championship (WOKC) 2010 will take place on the 24 & 25 July 2010, hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club, Hamble.

- WOKC is a girls' weekend for sailors - the most fun, convenient, testing and memorable regatta. The crews will be 100% women. The men will be on the committee boat, driving RIBS and in the bar for the party in the evening.

- The event organisers are the Royal Southern Yacht Club (RSnYC) working with Jody Slater, Emma Beagley and Sophie Docker

- The RSnYC is one of the most respected, well established and successful yacht clubs in the UK. With over 170 years of tradition it is based in excellent modern waterside premises, which include: bars, dining, facilities, moorings, dry berthing and accommodation.

- Coffin Mew LLP is Championship sponsor for 2010, and Wight Vodka is the drinks sponsor for the evening events including the Frocks and Flip-flops party in the evening.

For further details on the Women’s Open Keelboat Championship 2010, visit: www.wokc.co.uk or follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/WOKC2010

For further information, interviews or images contact:

Sophie Docker, Press Officer, Women's Open Keelboat Championship
07904 364331 press.wokc@hotmail.com

Ref: 10/04

Dubarry of Ireland & Dee Caffari team up for 2010

The start of the Prebon Tullett London Boat Show saw Dubarry of Ireland announce their continued association with record breaking yachtswoman, Dee Caffari.

Dubarry supported Caffari throughout her last campaign which culminated in Caffari claiming 6th place in the Vendee Globe solo, non stop, round the world race in February of last year. Dubarry will begin their association as the Official Supplier of Clothing and Footwear to the Dee Caffari Racing team in January 2010 as Caffari continues to search for a new title sponsor to support her next Vendée Globe campaign. Dubarry of Ireland will continue to back Caffari and her team up to and including her entry into the 2012/13 Vendée Globe race, where this time she will be looking to improve her ranking and aim for a podium position.

Caffari and her team will be wearing Dubarry of Ireland’s performance footwear and their new 2010 clothing collection while working closely with the company to provide regular product usage reports. This is part of the company’s continuous commitment to improving their marine product range by relying on feedback from those operating at the highest end of the sport.

‘I am delighted to have an ongoing partnership with Dubarry of Ireland. Together with my sailing team, we are able to test and provide feedback which helps to continually improve the performance clothing and technical footwear on offer to Dubarry customers.  I hope that we can continue to work together in producing top quality marine clothing products.’ Dee Caffari

With over 70 years of footwear heritage, Dubarry has brought their technical knowhow to what is now its third marine clothing range. Commenting on the ongoing association, Michael Walsh Marketing Director at Dubarry said ‘we have seen from the Aviva Ocean Racing campaign that Dee and her team are able to offer consistent performance, and in doing so, provide a reliable and credible brand presence and message for her sponsors and partners. We have no doubt that it is only a matter of time for Dee to secure a title sponsor and we are proud to be one of her primary supporters. Our philosophy has always been to rely on feedback from those at the coal face. In Dee’s case it dosen’t get much closer. ’

-ENDS-

For further information on Dee Caffari contact:
Jo Uffendell
Tel: 07966 429260
Email: jo@deecaffari.com
Further information on Dee Caffari can be found at www.deecaffari.com

For further information on Dubarry of Ireland contact:
Sheila Fallon
Tel: +353 90 9642348
Email: sfallon@dubarry.com
Further information on Dubarry of Ireland can be found at www.dubarry.com

Notes to editors:

In 2006 Dee Caffari MBE became the first woman to sail solo, non stop, around the world against the prevailing winds and currents. In 2009, Caffari’s 6th place finish in the notorious Vendée Globe race secured her a double world first as she became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop around the world in both directions. Out of 33 skippers, Caffari was ranked 6th in the IMOCA World Championships in her first full IMOCA season.

In 2012, Caffari intends to be on the start line of the Vendée Globe once again with the intention of securing a podium position. Dee Caffari’s race to the start line has now begun and she is currently searching for a new title sponsor to help fund her ambition to compete in the 2012/13 Vendée Globe. For more information log onto: www.deecaffari.com