NORTHLINK TO SPONSOR FIREBALL EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

NorthLink Ferries have linked up with the Shetland Islands Fireball Association to become the official regatta sponsor of the 2003 Fireball European Championships.

The sponsorship package includes free return travel from Aberdeen to Lerwick for all competitors and their boats. The NorthLink logo will also be seen throughout the regatta on all the Fireball sails, with the event now being re-branded the 'NorthLink Fireball European Championships'

Local association chairman John Manson stated that they were delighted with the generous assistance from NorthLink Ferries, which they hope will encourage more sailors to travel to the event and also help promote Shetland both as a sporting venue and a tourist destination.

The regatta commences with a warm up event, the Shetland National Championships on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th July. The European Championships then follow from Sunday 13th July, with the final race on Friday 18th July. The regatta concludes with the Annual Round Bressay Race on Saturday 19th July, in which it is hoped that the local yachts fleet and visiting Fireball Dinghies can compete.

The races are to be sailed in Breiwick, to the south of Lerwick each afternoon of the regatta. Principal Race Officer for the regatta is local man Bruce Leask, assisted by a team of 5 helpers. John Manson will be assisted by Fireball International in measuring the boats for the event, while Johan Devocht from Belguim will lead a team from Germany, England, Ireland and Shetland on the International Rules Jury.

The local association regatta secretary Ewan Stirling has been busy collating entries, with 42 received so far from Shetland, Scotland, England, Ireland, France, Germany, Switzerland and Slovenia. With more entries still to arrive, the organizers are hoping for 50 Fireball dinghies to compete in the regatta.

ENDS.
11th July 2003

For further information, please contact:

John Manson - Chairman - Shetland Islands Fireball Association
+44 (0)7901 792228
jmanson@arch-henderson.co.uk
www.fireball-champs2003.co.uk