2024 is the 200th Anniversary of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution). You may have seen their tv commercials. To celebrate this epic event, Greenwich Yacht Club is holding an open-invitation yacht race on Saturday June 29. This creates a rare opportunity for affordable sponsorship of such a race on the River Thames. GYC is raising money for the RNLI without any financial gain for itself, and it is therefore considered by the river authorities to be a non-commercial event.
The Event
The Tower Lifeboat Race will be from Greenwich to Erith and back, and we are inviting entries from several other clubs based on the River Thames and in Kent. What will make it a unique event for competitors is that rather than a single start time, they can each choose to start when they want. Results of this “Start when you like” race will be based on the time taken to complete the course, and the application of an official handicap system that allows for different boat sizes and speeds.
Supporting GYC’s race, and thus the RNLI, is a great opportunity for any business that would benefit from a positive association with the RNLI’s values and high esteem in which it is held, plus sports and leisure activities on the River Thames more generally. It is particularly relevant for a business that has contact or dealings with any authorities and official bodies relevant to the workings of the river.
River authorities
- Our racing calendar event and risk assessment plans have to be approved by the Port of London Authority.
- We must advise people manning the Thames Barrier when they can expect race traffic.
- We liaise with Thames Clippers and other organisations about our mutual use of the river.
- GYC is a member of the RYA (Royal Yachting Association).
- Our members’ safety on the river is supported by the crews at the RNLI Tower Lifeboat Station based at Waterloo.
We are also inviting local Royal Greenwich councillors to come along at the back end of the race and stay for the trophy award ceremony.
Media coverage
- We will announce the race and supply updates through press releases to national sailing media and media serving London, including Greenwich-focused social media.
- We will also regularly feature it on our own social media.
- The sponsor could engage with their own trade or professional sector media, and post content on their own social media.
- Add details of your involvement to your website, with post-race images of the event.
- All our communications, the winner’s trophy, and an Eventbrite page for competitors to register can include the sponsor’s name.
- The sponsor may also choose to attend on the day, invite some guests to our architectural award winning Clubhouse, and present the trophy in person – creating unique corporate hospitality and PR opportunities.
Next step
For further information, to ask any questions, and to discuss fees, please begin by sending your contact details in an email to [email protected]
The sooner you sign up as a sponsor, the more benefits your business will enjoy!