Following their outstanding success in Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004, British sailors continue to be supported by UK Sport through the National Lottery Sports fund, and corporate partners.

However, to maintain the current levels of success, additional sources of funding are required to offset any decline in lottery income, and a shortage of funding remains for technical projects and for supporting the transition of, and legacy for, young and talented sailors aspiring to become Britains future Olympic and Paralympic sailors.

The Sail for Gold Ball is a key source for this funding shortfall.

• Organised by the Royal Yachting Association, the Sail for Gold Ball is held in support of the sailors in the British Olympic and Paralympic Team in their quest for medals at the 2008 Games in Beijing
• Held every Olympic year only, the Ball has a justifiable reputation as the most significant event in the social calendar for the Olympic and Paralympic classes. HRH the Princess Royal, President of the RYA, traditionally hosts this prestigious occasion
• Corporate Opportunities: a wide range of corporate opportunities exist for organisations wishing to promote their products or services at the Ball and in the RYAs supporting media outlets. The Ball affords excellent business to business contact, client hospitality and staff incentives in a prestigious atmosphere
• Attendance at the Sail for Gold Ball 2008 will include the sailors in the British Olympic and Paralympic Team, as well as guests from the worlds of commerce, politics, the arts and media representatives
• Olympic success: Sailing is the most successful Olympic sport in Great Britain, and GBR is the worlds top Olympic sailing nation having brought home 2 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze from Athens 2004 as well as 3 Gold and 2 silver medals from Sydney 2000. Britains sailors have won medals at every Olympic Games they have attended since 1932 (except 1960).
• Facts and figures: Over 3500 guests have attended the previous Sail for Gold Balls of 1992, 1996, 2000 and 2004. The Sail for Gold Ball 2008, under the same direction, aims to harness the momentum created by these previous events.

Support of Sail for Gold 2008 will help ensure Britains sailors will have a rousing send-off for the Games in China, but will also provide financial backing for sailing success at the 2012 Games and beyond.