Challenge Business has announced today (29 May 2002) that Invest Hong Kong is to be the latest yacht sponsor in the inaugural Challenge Transat 2002, which commences on 25 August 25. The race which commences on 25 August, will be sailed in six identical 72ft Global Challenge yachts, from Southampton to Boston and back.

The yacht ‘Spirit of Hong Kong’ raced in the BT Global Challenge 2000/01 and InvestHK was keen to maintain the positive, competitive image the sponsorship symbolised during the race. Sponsorship enabled the inward investment promotion agency of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to showcase the vibrancy of Hong Kong and focus world-wide attention on Asia’s preferred world-class business hub.

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Mike Rowse, said: “During the BT Global Challenge, our yacht proved an excellent way of making contact with business communities in every port-of-call, and helped us network with other top-level corporate sponsors. We look forward to repeating this experience while taking part in the Challenge Transat.

“The yacht has been invaluable in helping us to spread the word about the famous Hong Kong advantages, and ensuring the business world is aware of our strengths as Asia’s World City.” As well as competing in the Challenge Transat, ‘Spirit of Hong Kong’ will enable InvestHK to take its branded yacht to potential investors wishing to establish a business presence in the city on their own tailor-made European tour. Corporate hospitality and business networking events are also planned for the USA when Spirit of Hong Kong arrives in Boston.

Sir Chay Blyth, executive chairman of Challenge Business said of the announcement: “We’ve had many repeat sponsorships over the past 10 years, since our very first round-the-world yacht race. InvestHK has seen the yacht branding and business networking benefits it brings and we’re delighted to once again have Spirit of Hong Kong in our fleet.