After the highly successful 2007 UK sailing regatta, held by the UK’s leading quality garden furniture wholesaler, Alexander Rose, it was decided to introduce an international flavour to the 2008 corporate sailing event. In addition to the six UK racing yachts crewed by its garden centre buyers and Alexander Rose representatives, there were also competitors from Poland and Slovakia, both manufacturing partners of Alexander Rose. Needless to say, it was a most exhilarating experience for all participants and fortuitous timing, coinciding with the sailing exploits of Team GB at the Olympic Games, which enhanced the competitive mood.
The event is primarily organised as a thank you gesture to existing Alexander Rose customers as well an invitation to new customers. Alexander Rose Managing Director, Mr Borge Leth, skippered the “Ocean” crew, named after the company’s stunning new woven range of outdoor furniture. He explained: “Our annual team-building event is aimed at creating a fun weekend and one in which our guests get to experience the adrenaline rush of racing in some of the world’s best tidal waters.”
Over the three-day period there were eight races, the centrepiece being an eight-hour epic around the Isle of Wight. This was the most physically challenging of all the races, as the inclement weather tested all the crews to the limit. In a gruelling three-legged “dog battle”, it was finally Borge’s Ocean yacht that clinched the day. However, to the delight of the Polish team, they were this year’s overall winners, narrowly pipping the “Ocean” yacht in the final race to take the 2008 trophy. “Their world class sailing crew were just too good in the end, and they thoroughly deserved their victory,” commented Borge, at the awards ceremony.
As there are no losers in this event, the Slovakian crew sailed in behind the others in eighth place, and humbly received the “2008 Under-Achievers Award”. Their surprise prize to go with this noble title was to be water-bombed by the other crews – thought to be kinder than walking the plank! Overall, everyone had an unforgettable time and discovered a taste for the nautical life and the unique excitement that it offers.
Plans are well under way for the 2009 Regatta, and going by the enthusiasm of this year’s competitors, it is going to be another rip roaring, “sails” beating extravaganza – and all in the name of Quality Garden Furniture!
For further information visit http://www.alexander-rose.co.uk/
