World Match Racing Tour Acquire Jeweller Sponsor

Garrard, the world’s oldest jewellers, have become the Official Jeweller and Silversmith of the World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) signing a exclusive agreement.

The partnership with the world’s leading professional sailing series will complement Garrard’s rich heritage and association with sport where its famous hallmark can be found on renowned trophies including the earliest existing sailing trophy, made by the firm in 1776, called the ‘Cumberland Cup’ , followed by the America’s Cup, the Cricket World Cup and the FA Premier League trophy.

As part of the 3-year agreement, the ISAF Match Racing World Championship trophy will join this stellar list when a new Garrard-created Tour trophy is unveiled at the season finale, the Monsoon Cup, in November after which it will be on display at the jeweller’s flagship London store and other Garrard stores throughout the year. Garrard will also be creating a limited number of nautical themed jewellery to mark the partnership.

As an Official Tour Partner, the Garrard brand will be integrated across the Tour’s extensive multimedia channels and marketing campaigns while bespoke hospitality packages, including ‘evening functions hosted by Garrard’ will be created for the company’s guests to give them a first-hand experience of a Tour event and the high intensity of match racing. As well as enjoying an on-event presence, Garrard will also have the opportunity to host two VIP events in association with the Tour at their London store each year.

Jim O’Toole, CEO of the World Match Racing Tour, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Garrard as a new partner to the World Match Racing Tour. Garrard has a rich, individual history with some great sporting associations and we’re delighted to become a part of that family. We’re in an exciting phase of growth on the Tour and we look forward to working closely with Garrard to cement their link to sailing by incorporating their brand into both the Tour and our global fanbase.”

Eric Deardorff, CEO of Garrard & Co Ltd, added: “We are honoured to continue our rich, 235-year history with world-class sailing venues by designing the ISAF 2011 Match Racing World Championship trophy. To further enhance our involvement with sailing enthusiasts, Garrard is launching ‘Nautical’ — a sterling silver collection of nautical-themed jewellery that, alongside our 18ct gold fine jewellery collections, will be available at key events throughout the Tour and at our London flagship store on Albemarle St. We are really looking forward to working with the World Match Racing Tour.”