The Vendee Globe is one of the most pure sporting events in the world. The round-the-world yacht race has a huge following in France, but with developments in online media channels, a global audience delivers sponsors a great Return on Investment (ROI). The Vendee Globe is the jewel in the crown for the IMOCA Class, which is one of the last remaining Open classes in offshore yacht racing.
One of the reasons the Vendee Globe delivers a return on sponsorship is the human interest element that transforms the race from sport to an emotional and passionate event that touches a wide audience. Vendee Globe sponsorship leverages a sport with good environmental credentials to a desirable audience, but understanding the market and the opportunities is not simple.
Pilote Media is one of the very few companies that can provide real expertise into Vendee Globe Sponsorship. Chairman and principal Consultant, David Fuller, has written over 200,000 words of comment and insight into the sport of yacht racing and has one of the most encompassing views of the business side of the sport.
As publishers of the Dark Blue Book, the Who’s Who of sailing business directory, Pilote Media also have the contacts with the main players and a unique understanding of the opportunities available to companies and brands interested in sponsoring the Vendee Globe.
Vendee Globe from Strength to Strength
Thousands of people will visit the race village in the French town of Les Sables d’Olonne to cheer on sailors who have national hero status. Sailors from France, the UK, USA and increasingly from countries like Spain will start the race with significant television and media coverage.
Sponsorship of the Vendee Globe promises to deliver brands a substantial return on investment, especially brands that are targeting specific customers. Previous races have featured sponsorship of sailors by companies like Aviva, Roxy, Ecover, Brit Air, Fonica, Veolia Environment, BT, Hugo Boss and Artemis.
Budgets vary depending on whether sailors have an Open 60 or need to build one for the next race, but a typical budget might be $3.5 million per year over a 2 year campaign.
Vendee Globe Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities are available at several levels including
- Event partnerships
- Official supplier deals
- media partner deal
- merchandising opportunities
- IMOCA 60 Sailor / Team sponsorship opportunities
Pilote Media is one of the most trusted sources of business insight into the business of sailing and yacht racing. The company is uniquely placed to help brands negotiate sponsorship deals that make sense and deliver real returns.
If you are interested in learning more about how your company or brand can benefit from sponsoring the next Vendee Globe, call us on +44 208 123 2694 or Contact our Vendee Globe Sponsorship Team.