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Hannah Supports the RNLI at the Boat Show
Top sailors speak up for the RNLI
They’ve faced the elements in
some of the toughest sailing races in the world, and now two professional
sailors will be recounting their experiences and encouraging others to support
the RNLI at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show in 2010.
Visitors to the RNLI’s stand
(N19D) will hear Vendee Globe sailor Steve White and Team Helly Hansen’s Hannah
White talk about what it’s like to compete in single-handed races.
Steve White was one of only 11
competitors out of 30 starters to complete the gruelling Vendee Globe race in
2009. He’ll be talking about the mental and physical strength needed to race
around the world alone and how his battle to reach the start line was almost as
tough as the race itself. Visitors will be able to catch him at 2pm on Friday 8
January.
Helly Hansen sponsored sailor
Hannah White will
recount her dramatic voyage in the Original Single-handed Trans-Atlantic Race
2009. Hannah won her class and came fourth overall in the race, securing her
reputation as one of the sport’s most dynamic young protégés. She’ll be
speaking at the RNLI stand from Friday 8 to Tuesday 12 January at 2.30pm.
It’s
not just Hannah White that Helly Hansen are supporting; they’re also sponsoring
the RNLI’s Serious Fun! fundraising campaign and are encouraging show visitors
to sign up as RNLI members. Anyone signing up at the show will be in with the
chance to win £500 worth of Helly Hansen clothing and footwear.
Don’t worry if you miss the
chance to see Hannah or Steve, there’s still plenty going on at the RNLI’s
stand throughout the show. Every afternoon there are free half-hour seminars,
starting with ‘Calling for Help’ at 1pm, ‘Lifejackets’ at 2pm,
‘Engine breakdown’ at 3pm
and ‘Technological advances in lifeboat design’ at 4pm.
You can join Hannah and Steve in
their support for the charity that saves lives at sea by signing up as a member
and committing to giving regular donations. Visit the RNLI’s stand to pick up
your free copy of the Serious Fun! DVD and find out more.
Notes to editors
- Steve White sailed an Open 60 racing yacht
currently called Toe in the Water during the Vendee Globe 2009
race. Steve is planning to repeat his achievements in the next Vendee
Globe in 2012.
- The Vendee Globe involves sailing 27,000 miles
around the world alone, non stop and with no outside assistance.
- Hannah White is a member of Team Helly Hansen
and completed the OSTAR 2009 in her 33 foot Figaro class boat PureSolo.
She is now planning to make the transition into Open 60 racing.
- As part of Helly Hansen’s international team
of athletes, Hannah White takes part in developing the
brand’s performance sailing gear for women.
- Helly Hansen are the
official sponsors of the RNLI’s Serious Fun! fundraising campaign. Helly Hansen are also donating five per cent
from the sale of their
clothing at the London International Boat Show.
- The Original Single-handed Trans-Atlantic Race
(OSTAR) is the world’s oldest solo ocean challenge, dating back to
1960. Single-handed sailors
race across the Atlantic from Plymouth in the UK to Newport in the USA.
- The Tullett Prebon London International Boat
Show runs from Friday, 8 January 2010 until Sunday, 17 January 2010.
RNLI media contacts
For more information please
telephone Isla Reynolds, Public Relations Officer, on 01202 663127 or 07899
076224 or by email at isla_reynolds@rnli.org.uk.
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI
please visit www.rnli.org.uk.
News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable
photos and video, are available at the RNLI Press Centre www.rnli.org.uk/press
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI charity saves lives at
sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the
United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates over 230
lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and has more than 140 lifeguard units
on beaches around the UK. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government
and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service.
Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved
over 137,000 lives.
A charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland
(SC037736). Charity number CHY 2678 in the Republic of Ireland.
Key facts about Helly Hansen
Helly Hansen is the world's most experienced sailing
apparel and footwear brand. The Moss, Norway based company is recognised for
inventing the first waterproof fabrics in 1877, the first fleece mid-layers in
the 1960s and LIFA - the first technical base layer in the 1970s. The combined
three layer system of dress has become the reliable standard for keeping warm,
dry and comfortable in cold and wet conditions. Today, Helly Hansen is a global
leader in technical apparel and footwear designs for a range of outdoor and
watersport activities. Helly Hansen products are distributed in more than 40
countries.