KPMG sponsors regatta

(CNS): The Cayman Islands is to host an international sailing regatta later thismonth, in which six Cayman teams will be battling two teams from Nassau Yacht Club Bahamas and one each representing Manhattan Sailing Club USA, Royal Burnham Yacht Club UK, Montego Bay Yacht Club Jamaica and Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. The third KPMG International J/22 Regatta, will take at the Cayman Islands Sailing Club (CISC) from 26 February to 2 March.

According to CISC, J/22s are 22-foot yachts typically with a skipper and three crew members, and are among the most popular racing boats in the Cayman Islands. The Cayman teams have been through a strenuous qualification process and are now confirmed as: Compass Marine, skipper Mike Farrington; CISC Youth Team, skipper Marina Maffessanti; Ciao!, skipper Jane Moon; Radium, skipper Donald McLean; Yahoo, skipper Bruce Johnson; Mayhem, skipper Mark Edmunds.

The racing will be held in the North Sound, approximately five minutes from the CISC clubhouse. The event will be officially opened on the evening of Thursday, 26 February with a reception and Commodore’s Cocktail Party at the Cayman Islands Sailing Club. Practice sessions will be held on Friday, 27 February, and the races themselves – up to 9 – will be spread over the three subsequent afternoons.

KPMG expects to have a big presence at the regatta supporting a Sailing Youth Day for North Side School children while also providing volunteer opportunities for KPMG staff who will help out with many of the evening events.

“We are delighted to support such a prestigious international sporting event for the third year. It is great to be a part of something that gives Cayman as well as the CISC some international exposure,” saidKris Beighton, Partner and Head of KPMG’s Corporate Social Responsibility Programme.

“We are delighted to have KPMG on board again as our title sponsor for this event” commented CISC Commodore Andrew Moon. “The partnership between CISC and KPMG works well and we are able to offer a high quality event with excellent sailing competition and social camaraderie which is enjoyed equally by competitors, officials, spectators and volunteers”.

Other sponsors and suppliers of goods and services to the regatta include Kirk Freeport, Harbour House Marina, Caribbean Marine Services, Tortuga Rums, Flowers Bottled Water, Champion House Catering, Mainstay Sailing, Subway West Shore & Industrial Park, English Bakery, Cost-U-Less, Infocus Photos Ltd, Cayman Islands Sailing Club and the local J/22 boat owners.

The regatta features a number of social events which are open to members and non-members and this year includes an art exhibition “Colours of Cayman” by local artists Avril Ward and Dora Williams. Part proceeds of any art sales will go to CISC sailing programmes.

For further information about the event or the CISC, contact Club Manager, Rick Caley on 947 7913 or at admin@sailing.ky.