Volvo signs agreement for sailing Grand Prix with Laser SB3 and ART Marine

The three parties signed an agreement in July to host a six round sailing Grand Prix on the Laser SB3 brand of sailing boat. The event will be known as the Volvo Laser SB3 Middle East Grand Prix, with its maiden season starting in October this year and concluding in March 2008 at the Dubai International Boat Show.

The Laser SB3 is the fastest growing sailing fleet in the world and has attracted some of the best sailors including triple Laser World Champion Glenn Bourke.

ART Marine, the Leading Marine Hospitality Company in the Middle East, is the exclusive dealer of Laser in the UAE and is very pleased to be working alongside such established international brands as Laser and Volvo Cars.

Volvo Cars, a manufacturer of premium cars with a rapidly growing market share in the Middle East, is no stranger to sailing and is involved in a number of international sailing events, including the pinnacle of sailing, the Volvo Ocean Race. Volvo Cars Middle East who are sponsoring the event, are also providing full logistical support. The multi award winning SUV, Volvo XC90, will be the official car for the event.

Greg Maruszewski, Regional Managing Director of Volvo Cars said." This is a perfect way for Volvo Cars to bring Volvo's long standing commitment to sailing to the Middle East. Volvo's passion for excitement and care for the environment resonate well with this championship. I look forward to a long and ongoing partnership with Laser and ART Marine"

Having already secured a number of entries for the first event in October, ART Marine is now trying to entice some more corporate sailors to get involved with a new and innovative way of corporate hospitality. Starting in October and running for six months, the event concludes at the Dubai International Boat Show in March 2008.

First Prize for the grand prix is a trip to the European Championships in 2008, to be held in Cork, Ireland. Laser Middle East and Volvo Cars ME are pleased to announce this prize to the first placed team over the six competitive rounds of sailing.