On 3 June 2004 over eight hundred guests gathered at the London Hilton for a spectacular evening of fun and fundraising at the Sail for Gold Ball 2004.

Hosted by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal KG GCVO, the British Olympic and Paralympic sailing teams were present as sailing commentator Richard Simmonds compèred the evening’s presentations. An enthralling video presentation gave guests an exceptional insight into what inspires our Olympic and Paralympic team sailors and how they have been preparing for the challenges ahead in Athens.

The highlight of the evening’s fundraising activities was the Sail for Gold Auction, run by guest Auctioneer Nick Bonham, which raised over £70,000. As well as other fundraising activities on the night including the Sail for Gold Raffle, the Bolle Lucky Programme Draw and the Sail for Gold After Dinner Gym, a record breaking £100,000 was raised on the night.

As Stephen Park, British Olympic Team Manager explains, ‘The money generated from the Sail for Gold Ball provides invaluable income to the Olympic yachting fund, which focuses on those projects that will put the cream on the cake and make a vital medal winning difference’.

The Sail for Gold campaign continues throughout 2004. The next major fundraising activity in the programme will be the Sail for Gold Bar at Skandia Cowes Week from 7-14 August 2004. Located on the Parade in Cowes a percentage of all profits from the bar will go to the Sail for Gold campaign, so if you plan on being at Skandia Cowes Week please drop in.