The countdown to the coveted Sail for Gold Ball the traditional black tie send-off for Britains Olympic-bound sailors is well underway, and you can book your place at the party!
The quadrennial event will be held on Wednesday 11 June at the Hilton on Park Lane, London, and the RYA is delighted to announce that Peter Harrison, Chairman and Founder of GBR Challenge and the Peter Harrison Foundation, will once again be Principal Sponsor of the Ball.
Organised by Gavia Wilkinson-Cox, the Ball will feature the sailing team set to compete for Great Britain at the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as guests from the worlds of commerce, politics, the arts and the media.
Support of the Sail for Gold Ball will not only help ensure Britains sailors have a rousing send-off for the Games in China, but will also provide additional financial backing for sailing success at the 2012 Games and beyond, and tickets are on sale now. Early booking is advisable as demand is always high.
The 2008 edition of the Ball will mark the third consecutive time that Peter Harrison has been Principal Sponsor, and he is known to be an enthusiastic fundraiser on the night of the Ball itself, including vigorously bidding against his son in the 2004 auction.
I am delighted to once again be Principal Sponsor of the Sail for Gold Ball, now for the third time, commented Peter Harrison.
The Ball is a fitting send off for the sailors and an opportunity to wave them off in great style. It is significant fundraising occasion but above all a thoroughly good night out.
John Derbyshire, RYA Racing Manager, said: This will be the fifth Sail for Gold Ball, which besides looking like being the best so far, contributes significantly to the RYAs Olympic Yachting Fund, which helps safeguard funding for young and talented sailors aspiring to become our future Olympic medallists.
The Ball has a justifiable reputation as the most significant social event in the Skandia Team GBR calendar, and were extremely grateful to Peter Harrison for his continued support.
Pindar has also come on board as a supporting sponsor of the Ball, providing all printed materials in association with the event.
Over 3500 guests have attended the previous Sail for Gold Balls, which have been held in each Olympic year since 1992.
Further information, including details of ticket bookings and corporate opportunities, can be found through this website.
For further information on the Peter Harrison Foundation, visit
www.peterharrisonfoundation.org