Visit Sarasota County Returns to Present British Rowing's 2017 National Championship Events

With the 2017 World Rowing Championships on the horizon, British Rowing is pleased to announce that Visit Sarasota County has renewed its partnership for another year, with the tourist board becoming the title sponsor of all four British Rowing championship events over the next 12 months.

The partnership renewal comes off the back of a successful year for Visit Sarasota County as sponsor to the 2016 British Rowing championship events. Visit Sarasota County brought some Florida sunshine to all four British Rowing championships events last year, showcasing the world-class facilities available at Nathan Benderson Park, which will host the 2017 World Rowing Championships and the 2018 World Rowing Masters Regatta. They also highlighted the natural beauty, top attractions and food and drink on offer in Sarasota, with thousands of oranges handed out to rowing competitors and fans to bring the partnership to life.

Kenny Baillie, British Rowing’s Director of Partnerships and Communications, commented: "It is fantastic that we are partnering with Visit Sarasota County for another year; especially with them coming on board as title sponsor of the British Rowing Championships. It’s testament to the strength of this partnership and the success of last year that Visit Sarasota County have not only renewed their partnership with us, but have decided to grow it. I’m looking forward to continuing to work closely with our friends from across the pond over the coming year."

Virginia Haley, President of Visit Sarasota County, commented: "We are delighted to be part of the British Rowing family for another year. The 2016 partnership was a great success and we are aiming for more of the same this year as we gear up for the World Rowing Championships coming up in September."

The British Rowing Masters Championship, presented by Visit Sarasota County, is the first event on the calendar taking place on the weekend of 10-11 June, 2017, followed by the Junior Championships on 14-16 July and the Senior Championships on 21-22 October. The British Rowing Indoor Championships is the fourth title event in the series, with the date and venue to be announced in the coming weeks.

Between 24 September and 1 October, Sarasota-Bradenton, on Florida’s west coast, will provide the stunning backdrop for the World Rowing Championships; the first time the event has visited the United States since 1994.

Preparations by the GB Rowing Team are already underway for the World Rowing Championships, with Visit Sarasota County playing a valuable role. Last year, Virginia Haley hosted Sir David Tanner as he completed a reconnaissance of the championship course ahead of the competition this September.

Visit Sarasota County, has partnered with America As You Like it, to help rowing fans and holiday makers get the most out of their trip to Sarasota-Bradenton, offering lots of great tips on top attractions and the best places to eat, drink and sleep. All holidays can be tailor-made to customer requirements.

Travel to Sarasota this June from £997 per person including return flights to Tampa, car hire and 7 night’s room only at the three star Sandcastle Resort located directly on the Gulf of Mexico. This price is based on two people sharing a room.

All rowing fans are bound to want to watch the World Rowing Championships; it's affordable and you can enjoy the Florida sun at the same time. There is a wide variety of accommodation and prices start from £1,375 per person and include return flights, 10 nights’ accommodation and an eight-day public Grandstand ticket for the event. The price is based on four people sharing a two bedroom apartment.

For more information, please contact:

British Rowing

Sophie Galasinski

Head of Communications and Marketing

Mobile: +44 (0) 7841 340 522

Office: +44 (0) 20 8237 6718

Email: Sophie.galasinski@britshrowing.org

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