OLD PULTENEY DEBUTS AS TEAM SPONSOR

First time Team Sponsor, the single malt Scotch whisky Old Pulteney, today announced its yacht entry in the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race. The yacht, which is part of the newly designed Clipper 70 fleet will debut in the ninth edition of the world’s longest ocean race and will be called Old Pulteney.

Old Pulteney's decision to sponsor a yacht in the Clipper Race is rooted in the whisky's strong maritime heritage and long standing involvement with sailing. Pulteney Distillery is one of the most northerly on the UK mainland - and whisky connoisseurs even say they can detect a faint hint of the sea in the delicious malt thanks to its windswept location and close proximity to the North Sea.

Known as the ‘Maritime Malt,’ Old Pulteney holds the coveted title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ for 2012 in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible – one of the industry’s highest accolades. The whisky achieved top ten status in the UK single malt market in 2012 as well as being the fastest growing single malt in Travel Retail and now positioned number 20 in the category. The brand is flourishing in many other countries around the world.

Clipper Race Founder and Chairman, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston toasted the announcement today and remarked: “When I set sail for my historic circumnavigation back in 1968, on board were 12 bottles of whisky and homemade fruitcake. Old Pulteney have a great history of supporting sailing and we look forward to toasting our successes with them as we travel around the globe. We are extremely pleased to welcome our new Team Sponsor, Old Pulteney on board for the Clipper 2013-14 Race.”

Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager Margaret Mary Clarke commented: “Old Pulteney has a long and rich association with the sea, from our coastal location and maritime heritage to our involvement with sailing communities around the world today. We are therefore thrilled and very proud to unveil our partnership with the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Race, which will be our biggest global sponsorship to date. Our whisky is enjoyed by people who love sailing and with Clipper, we are looking forward to embarking on the sailing adventure of a lifetime.”

The Clipper Race fleet is made up of twelve brand new identical ocean racers with each one sponsored by a different destination or brand and is due to leave for the 40,000-mile, 11 month adventure on Sunday, 1 September from St Katharine Dock, London.