Audi secure title rights to Etchells Worlds 2009
Audi Australia has continued to demonstrate its domination of sponsorship in the sport of sailing today, announcing that the company has secured Naming Rights to the 2009 Etchells World Championship, to be held at Royal Brighton Yacht Club in Melbourne, Australia on 5 - 14 March 2009. 
'Jud Smith wins the Audi Etchells Worlds 2006'
Sail-World.com/ AUS © Click Here to view large photo
Audi is a keen supporter of the sport of sailing in Australia at the highest level. Linked by innovation in design, technology and performance, Audi is the largest supporter of competitive sailing events in Australia. The brand is also no stranger to the Etchells Class, holding naming rights for the last World Championship held in Australia - in Perth 2006. Audi's Brisbane dealership was also the major sponsor of the Audi Etchells Australian Championship 2008 held in Queensland earlier this year.
Audi's major annual regattas include the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta, during Sydney Harbour Week each March, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, which falls in August and the Audi Series at Skandia Geelong Week held each January of which the German luxury carmaker is also the official car partner.
The 2009 Audi Etchells Worlds promise to be a major event on the world sailing scene, with an array of high profile and talented competitors attending from all over the world. 
Joerg Hofmann, Audi's managing director, says the event is an attractive one for the brand, not only because it draws international competition, but it also fosters competitive spirit Downunder.
"Audi is a sporty and progressive brand, and our sponsorships reflect this brand positioning. We are thoroughly committed to our sailing sponsorships because we see real parallels with the values of Audi. We also want to encourage spirited sailing competition in Australia," Mr Hofmann said.
John Bertrand A.M., Patron of the event, said "I am delighted to hear that Audi Australia will be taking on naming rights for this World Championship. Royal Brighton Yacht Club is a fabulous venue, and this event has the ingredients of an exceptional championship. The inclusion of such a prestigious company such as Audi guarantees its place at the forefront of sailing events worldwide."
The 2009 Audi Etchells Worlds will take place from 5-14 March 2009.
For more information contact Amanda Coates, Melbourne Etchells Fleet
Email: coatesaj@bigpond.net.au
Website: www.audietchellsworlds2009.com.au
For more information regarding Audi Sailing Sport contact Caitlin Beale, National Manager, Events and Sponsorships, Audi Australia
Email: caitlin_beale@audi.com.au
Website: www.audisailing.com.au
For more information regarding media, images and sponsorship opportunities call Bindy Lockhart, Vermillion Sponsorship International
Email: bindy@vermillionsponsorship.com
Call: 0405 348438
by Bindy Lockhart
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Ormiston, QLD
