West Marine to Sponsor the Sail Newport “Stars and Stripes Party” at the 2018 Volvo Race Ocean Race Newport

The Only North American Stopover of the global ocean race is in Newport through May 20

West Marine to Give Away 350 Mystery Gift Cards

Watsonville, CA, May 10, 2018 - West Marine, the world’s premier retailer of boating, fishing, sailing and paddling gear, proudly announced today their corporate sponsorship of Sail Newport’s Stars and Stripes Spring Celebration, a keynote fundraising event for the non-profit organization during the Stopover of the global Volvo Ocean Race.

On Saturday, May 12 between 8 p.m. and midnight, the Newport sailing community will gather at the “Ocean Race Club” at the Race Village in Fort Adams State Park to celebrate with a USA-themed party. Funds raised will support public access sailing programs for Sail Newport.

For over 40 years and counting, the Volvo Ocean Race is internationally considered one of the premiere ocean racing events. The Race takes teams over 45,000 nautical miles around the world, crosses four oceans and visits 12 host cities in six continents

In addition to the sponsorship of the Stars and Stripes Celebration event, West Marine will give each of the 350 guests mystery gift cards valued between $5 and $100. The grand total of gift cards will reach $3,000.

“We’re so thrilled to be part of the celebration of the Volvo Ocean Race in North America,” says Kevin Dawson, West Marine District Manager. “It’s an honor to support the race and meet the sailors who depend on the gear and expertise we offer to compete on the water,” he adds.

“It’s so exciting to have an opportunity to meet racers from all world right here in our own backyard,” says Donald Ruth, Store Manager of the West Marine Middletown, R.I. location. “Our sponsorship of the Stars and Stripes Celebration is just one way we are demonstrating commitment to sailing this year.”

For more information, please visit: westmarine.com

About West Marine

Each person has a unique connection to the water. At West Marine, our knowledge, enthusiasm and products prepare Waterlife adventurers to foster that connection and explore their passions. With more than 250 stores located in 38 states and Puerto Rico and an eCommerce website reaching domestic, international and professional customers, West Marine is recognized as a leading Waterlife Outfitter for cruisers, sailors, anglers and paddlesports enthusiasts. Since first opening our doors in 1968, West Marine associates continue to share the same love for the water as our customers and provide helpful advice on the gear and gadgets they need to be safe and have fun. To learn more about West Marine, please visit the West Marine website at westmarine.com

About the Volvo Ocean Race Newport Stopover

The only North American Stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race will be hosted by Sail Newport, Rhode Island's Public Sailing Center, the State of Rhode Island Dept. of Environmental Management (RIDEM), Discover Newport, and the City of Newport. This 13-day stopover celebration and festival will be open to the public for free and will include a Race Village (now open through May 20) with entertainment, a One Ocean Exploration Zone, presented by 11th Hour Racing, children's' activities, a food court, team compounds, sponsor pavilions a theater. On-the-water activities and sailing events are scheduled for each day such as free Try Sailing for all ages, M32 and other sailboat racing, up-close viewing of the race boats at dock and racing during the Pro-Am Race, the Gurney’s Resorts In-Port Race, and the boat parade and Leg Start to Cardiff, Wales (May 20, 2018) All sailing will take place within yards of the Race Village off the shoreline at Fort Adams State Park. Website: volvooceanracenewport.com

Media Contact

Margo Donohue | press@westmarine.com | 917.679.6945