Thunderchild Yacht Sponsorship Proposal

Cape 2 Rio 2014 & beyond

Thunderchild, a 50 Foot Lavranos designed Racing Cruiser is a well known contender on the South African Circuit..

A classic race winning design with an impeccable pedigreeA classic race winning design with an impeccable pedigree

Built to win. Complete with carbon fibre mast.

Captain's LetterOn Saturday 4 January, at noon, a start gun will go off on a blustery hot Table Bay, so starting one of the greatest adventures in the world, crossing the Atlantic, racing under sail between two of the most stunning cities in the world, Cape Town and Rio de Janeiro in the original ocean racing classic, the Cape to Rio yacht race.

There is an opportunity to sponsor one of South Africa’s most well known racing yachts in this event, the sleek very fast, eye catching‘ Thunderchild’. This is the most sailed yacht in South Africa, by a long way. There aren’t many races she hasn’t competed in on the local sailing circuit. She has been sponsored for the last 15 years by the BMW dealership Auto Atlantic and the relationship has been very productive. Being sleek, eyecatching and photogenic, she has appeared in dozens and dozens of newspaper clips, magazines and TV footage. She is a floating 26 meter high billboard, sailing around Cape Town on most weekends and in summer during the week.Auto Atlantic were very happy with the sponsorship relationship, but due to the downturn in the economy, they had to end it.

What the sponsor would get for their involvement, is as mentioned a 26 meter high floating billboard around Cape Town. The race start is nationally televised and Thunderchild, being one of the favourites,garners a significant amount of viewer minutes, both fromthe buildup, preparation and the actual race, In the internet age, we have a Satphone aboard and a dedicated crewmember who’s job it is, is to compile daily video footage of life onboard and broadcast this on the sponsors website and the boat’s website. His job is also to send and answer the thousands of emails we receive daily from all around the world from wellwishers following our progress.

In addition the sponsor could tie this in with sponsors business such as betting on the race results and some sort of competition with first prize being a trip to Rio de Janeiro for a sail around Rio’s Guanabara Bay for the winner.

The sails that would be purchased with this sponsorship would be branded with the sponsors logo’s and would remain on the sails for minimum of 5 years, up to possibly 8 to 10.

This campaign to mount a very competitive challenge to win the South Atlantic Chamber of Mines Trophy would be around R 500 000.

The benefits of sponsorship are not just for the Rio Race, but will be seen for many years as a very large floating billboard. Sponsors executives and guests would be taken out for some exhilarating sailing in Table Bay with sufficient notice prior to the race and any special functions.

If a reference is needed regarding our commitment to maximizing the sponsors value and ‘bang per buck’ one can contact our previous sponsor at Auto Atlantic.

Sailing is the most unique sport in that everyone can participate. From 5 year olds to 90 year olds, male female, all can participate on an equal basis. Whole families can and do sail together. It is the original clean living, outdoor, healthy, ecologically friendly lifestyle sport.

I hope this sponsorship proposal is looked on favourably and we can look forward to a mutually productive relationship.

Regards – Rhett Goldswain ( Owner and skipper SV Thunderchild )

What will it take ?

Approximately R500 000 or $50 000

How will the funds be used?

Delivery back to SA R 110 000 New sails        R 220 000 Communications R 20 000 Weather routing experts R 30 000 Insurance        R 30 000 Furler*               R 50 000  

Total excluding sundries R 510 000Each crew member will still be responsible for his own return flight from Rio, visas & personal expenses. 

What can you expect from your sponsorship?A 26m High Billboard regularly sailing around Cape Town for the next 5 years (minimum)

A unique entertainment option for clients and executives provided adequate advance notice is given

Amazing media coverage (Print, Television, Blogs and Social Media)

A solid campaign to win the 2014 Cape To Rio Yacht race on handicap with a skipper boasting more than 35 years experience. - The average experience among crew members is 20 Years with almost all having competed in intercontinental races.

Excitement throughout your organisation during the races with many marketing/incentive spinoffs

Constant branding when berthed in full view of members & guests of the exclusive Royal Cape Yacht Club.

Opportunities to incorporate Thunderchild into your Advertising & Marketing campaigns as a backdrop, prize option or filming location.

View from the bar verandahAs seen from the Bar verandah

Moored in the most sought after berth at the Royal Cape Moored in the most sought after berth at the Royal Cape Yacht Club. In full view of the wealthy members & guests.Yacht Club. In full view of the wealthy members & guests.

It's unsurprising that TC's berth was vacant when this picture was taken.

For more information on this incredible opportunity please contact:

Stan Louw (Communications) on +27 82 076 1911 ( stan@vira.co.za )

Rhett Goldswain (Owner & Skipper) on +27 82 443 6449

We look forward to hearing from you.

Please view our Facebook page for press clippings & other pics:

http://bit.ly/SVThunderchild