Corporate Sponsors Step Onboard AC Challenges
May 15, 2024
Three of Canada’s major corporations, Concord Green Energy (Concord Pacific), RBC and TELUS, will sponsor teams at the inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup and the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup in Barcelona this year. The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club is the supporting club behind the successful Canadian bid to be one of 12 challengers in the Puig Women’s America’s Cup and UniCredit Youth America’s Cup.
Sailing under the banner of Concord Pacific Racing, the Canadian teams have their sights set on victory, aiming to etch their names in history as one of the first women’s teams to compete in a prestigious new chapter of America’s Cup history. The UniCredit Youth America’s Cup begins on September 17, and the Puig Women’s America’s Cup starts on October 5.
Racing is on the cutting-edge AC40 which employs the latest in foil and sail technology to fly the boats above the water at speeds of up to 100 kph.
As strategist for the Canada SailGP Team, with 15 years of representing the Canadian National Team, including two World Cup medals, Team Captain, Isabella Bertold, brings experience and determination to the helm. “With women’s sport finally taking centre stage, it’s fantastic to see Concord Pacific championing our cause alongside RBC and TELUS.”
The full squads for Concord Pacific Racing’s Women’s and Youth teams will be announced on May 23.
Tam Matthews, Chair of the Team Canada America’s Cup Board said: “This is truly a historic moment for Canada, the world of sailing and for women and youth in particular. We are proud to be building a new platform and legacy that will inspire generations to come.”
Terry Hui, President and CEO of Concord Pacific, emphasised the natural synergy in supporting the Canadian Youth and Women’s teams. As a competitive sailor himself, he recognises the historical moment it represents for advancing opportunities for women in sailing. “Participation in the America’s Cup will inspire a future generation of sailors in Canada,” Hui said.
“RBC is a long-standing supporter of Canadian athletes and we recognize the critical need to help advance women in sport at all levels,” said Shannon Cole, Vice President, Brand Marketing, RBC. “We’re proud to sponsor Team Canada’s women and youth sailing teams and cheer them on at the first ever Puig Women’s America’s Cup – a significant milestone.”
“It’s an honour to partner with like-minded organizations,” said Jill Schnarr, Chief Social Innovation, Communications and Brand Officer, TELUS. “With the America’s Cup hosting an all female regatta for the first time, in addition to Team Canada competing in the Youth America’s Cup for the first time in history, it’s a very exciting time to elevate and empower women and youth in the sport of sailing.”
You can follow all the action of Concord Pacific Racing on Instagram or at the team website.
