Volvo

With only 161 days to go until one of Britain’s biggest ever sporting events, today (16th February) Volvo Car UK announces the latest editions to their support of British sailing.  Britain’s leading 470 Men’s duo, Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell and leading Paralympic sailor, Stephen Thomas all join Team Volvo with Volvo Car UK becoming the sailor's official car supplier.

Luke Patience and Stuart Bithell, were selected to represent Team GB in January 2012 following their second place podium finish at the ISAF World Championships Perth, Australia. The sailors, both 25, who have been competing together since 2009, saw off tough competition from British teammates to represent their country later this year where they will make their Olympic debut.  It is the second time Volvo have supported a 470 Men’s team, following the backing of Nick Rogers and Joe Glanfield in 2004 and 2008 when they won their two silver Olympic medals.

“It’s great to have the backing of Volvo Car UK. Having come through the RYA Volvo Youth pathway I’ve always been aware of their support of sailing so now it’s great to be part of Team Volvo. It’s been a busy few weeks for us since the announcement but we are so excited and are looking forward to the next few months ahead” said Luke.

Stephen Thomas, who is an inspirational figure to many young sailors who compete with disabilities, is no stranger to the Olympics. Competing in the three person keelboat along with teammates John Robertson and Hannah Stodel he is campaigning for his third Paralympic games. Since teaming up in 2003, they have achieved a number of successes in the class, winning consecutive World Championship titles in 2005 and 2006. More recently they enjoyed a first place podium finish at the 2012 Rolex Miami OCR and second place at the 2011 Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta, Weymouth and Portland.    

In receiving Volvo’s support, the sailors join Team Volvo - a group of elite, inspirational British athletes at the top of their careers, that includes fellow Skandia Team GBR sailors Ben Ainslie, Paul Goodison, Nick Dempsey, the 470 Girls - Saskia Clark, Hannah Mills, the Match Race Girls - Lucy Macgregor, Annie Lush and Kate Macgregor and Paralympian Helena Lucas. All the sailors except Helena Lucas, whose selection trails for the 2.4mR have been extended, have been selected to represent Team GB at 2012.

“Volvo Car UK is thrilled to broaden our support of the British Sailing team and welcome Luke, Stuart and Stephen to our sailing partnership. This is the first time we have supported so many talented, top sailors and it’s a privilege to be working with such an inspirational group of athletes. We hope our backing will enable them to attain their ultimate goal” said Duncan Forrester, Head of Public Affairs, Events and Sponsorship for Volvo Car UK. 

As well as supporting individual team member’s campaigns, Volvo is the official car supplier of Skandia Team GBR and a bronze level team sponsor.

Read the latest blog from Luke Patience HERE

Find out more on the sailors on the Volvo Sailing App. Search for Volvo Sailing in the App store or download from HERE

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