Displaying items by tag: sailing

It’s turning into a great year for Team Thompson Sailing, the four MPI sponsored brothers with sights firmly set on the footsteps of the Team GBR greats.

With 149 young sailors in more than 100 boats across eight fleets, this year's Bosham Junior Week got off to a great start in near-perfect weather conditions.

Two of MPI Brokers’ key sporting sponsorships come together as a young sailor makes his first appearance at the annual Itchenor Schools Week on Chichester Harbour (June 25-30).

Ross and Johnny Thompson (separate teams in the 420 class) from MPI sponsored Team Thompson Sailing, showcased incredible skill at the 2017 RYA Youth National Championships at Hayling Island Sailing Club.

British sailors’ performance in the Olympics, Paralympics and major events such as the Americas Cup will generate fresh interest in sailing – and increase demand for insurance tailored to this branch of water sports.

So says Michael Pettifer, Managing Director of MPI Brokers, specialist provider of travel insurance suited to both sailing and skiing.

“We have seen considerable growth in our summer business since the 2012 Olympics and the excellent results from Rio and elsewhere will undoubtedly add impetus to the trend.

“I am delighted that MPI is participating in the Southampton Boat Show again this year, alongside Sailing Holidays,” he says. “It is the premier showcase for all forms of boating and it fosters the nation’s great sailing spirit. It also enables us to strengthen many contacts across the industry and with the public.”

An experienced sailor and skier, Michael Pettifer provides policies that give customers greater freedom to enjoy their chosen activities.

“For example, most tourist travel insurance policies do not cover racing: we do – for dinghy racing and low-level ski racing,” he says.

And MPI covers all forms of sailing in all Western European waters and up to 12 nautical miles offshore elsewhere. Insurance for further afield is arranged on application.

MPI is a long-standing sponsor of the annual Schools Week at Itchenor Sailing Club and this year, for the first time, also sponsored Junior Week at nearby Bosham Sailing Club.

Additionally, MPI sponsors Team Thompson Sailing – a family of four Surrey brothers, three of whom are already showing promise nationally and internationally in the 420 and RS Tera classes.

PICTURE: MPI's Joanna Scott chats to show-goers on Day One of the Southampton Boat Show 2016.

Team Thompson, the MPI-sponsored foursome of Surrey sailing brothers, is making significant ripples at national and international events.

The sponsorship is part of MPI's commitment to support junior sailors and reflects growing demand for sailing insurance.

This summer, MPI also sponsored Schools Week at Itchenor Sailing Club and Junior Week at Bosham SC. MPI rounds off its 2016 sailing focus this month at the Southampton Boat Show.

Thompson brothers Ross (16) and Johnny (14), from Frensham Pond SC, sailed together as helm and crew in the RYA youth team at the 420 World Championships in San Remo, to become the first GBR boat home in the Under 17 category.

They also took part in the 420 European Champion-ships on Lake Balaton, Hungary, where they were second GBR Under 17 boat home.

Ross later crewed for Alex Smallwood (Datchet Water) in the 420 Nationals at Plas Heli, to take second place. In the same event, Johnny crewed for WIll McMahon (South Cerney), to come 12th.

Third brother, Jake (11), competed internationally in the RS Tera World Championships at Santona, Spain, where he took eighth place in the Sport Fleet. He subsequently took part in the RS Tera Nationals at Pwllheli, where he came sixth in a field of 64.

MPI Managing Director Michael Pettifer says: "The brothers have done well this season and we look forward to even better results next year.

"MPI is very proud to be associated with a team showing so much potential."

PICTURE: With the Union Flag and MPI logos prominent, Team Thompson's Ross and Johnny race to top GBR honours at San Remo.

It’s a week of serious international competition ahead for the MPI-sponsored Team Thompson Sailing, with three of the four brothers taking to the water for events in Hungary and Spain.

Fresh from a relatively successful performance at the International 420 World Championships in San Remo, Italy, older brothers Ross and Johnny are touching down at Balatonfüred, Hungary, for the Junior European Championships, from 29 July to 5 August.

Friday, 1 July 2016 - Schools Sailing Week at Itchenor - at the end of some great racing - its now time for the prizes!!

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Thursday, 30 June 2016 - Schools Sailing Week at Itchenor continue on the waters of Chichester Harbour... Today its the Fireflies and the 420s!

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Tuesday, 28 June 2016 - Schools Sailing Week at Itchenor and on the waters of Chichester Harbour... Michael Pettifer joined in on a great day's sailing!

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