Bayerische Motoren Werke and Kieler Woche will continue to work together in the future. For the next three years, BMW will continue to be a premium partner and official presenter of the world's largest sailing event.
Manfred Bräunl, Head of Marketing and Marketing Services BMW Germany, Kiel's Lord Mayor Angelika Volquartz and the Chairman of the Kiel Yacht Club Lothar Jenne yesterday announced the continuation of the successful partnership. As the official presenter of Kiel Week and "Official Car", BMW will continue to support Kiel Week.
"The world's largest sailing event fits in perfectly with our philosophy," says Manfred Bräunl. "We will continue to play our part in ensuring that Kiel Week can consolidate its outstanding position as a sporting and cultural highlight in the annual calendar of major international events." Angelika Volquartz and Lothar Jenne also welcomed the continuation of the excellent cooperation and spoke of a "stroke of luck for Kiel and Kiel Week. Just in time for the 125th anniversary, BMW has given us a very special anniversary present by agreeing to extend its commitment. This vote of confidence is an incentive for us to organise an even higher quality event in terms of content and organisation."
What is interesting about the contract extension is that it is limited to the year 2009. Sponsors, marketers and fans have long been calling for the most important sailing event to be organised in shorter periods than the four years that have been practised to date. A two-year interval has often been discussed. BMW is focussing on three main areas in its commitment to sailing: Top events such as the America's Cup, major national events such as Kieler Woche and regional dealer events such as the BMW Sailing Cup. If the America's Cup were to take place every two years from 2007, a commitment to Kieler Woche until 2009 would also be logical. Ralf Hussmann, Head of BMW Sports Marketing, told YACHT online: "A commitment to the America's Cup beyond 2007 cannot be derived from the contract with Kieler Woche. We will decide on this in due course next year." The parallel to a possible shortening of the America's Cup is "pure speculation".
Lars Bolle
Chief Editor Digital
