Dubai, March 03, 2008 - DHL, the world's leading express and logistics provider, has been named Official Logistics Partner for the RC 44 Championship Tour 2008, a series of six international yachting regattas, starting with the Dubai RC44 Cup, to be held at Dubai International Marine Club, 3 - 7 March 2008.

DHL's expertise will be used in the coming stages of the Tour to transport equipment for the participating teams, including boats, masts, sails and all support gear, as well as handling all the customs clearance processes necessary when transporting large volumes of specialist equipment across two continents.

The company is also sponsoring a special coastal race, awarding the DHL Trophy at the close of the regatta to the winning team.

Michel Akavi, DHL Area Director for Middle East, said:" We are pleased to be associated with such an outstanding race series. As a leader in our industry, we work in partnership with the best and the RC 44 Class presents some of the world's most outstanding yachtsmen.

DHL's participation will be in support of the sailing as well as the logistics, both of which have reliability, speed and teamwork as vital components.  This is a fantastic event for DHL to be associated with, and we look forward to our role in supporting the long-term success of the series, both on and off the water."

Russell Coutts, the creator of the championship which began in 2007, co-designer of the RC 44 Class yacht, and three-time America's Cup winning skipper, commented on the importance of speed, safety and reliability when transporting yacht racing equipment around the world.

"When my co-designer Andrej Justin and I started working on the RC 44 we focused on developing a high-speed, lightweight racing boat, which is also easy to transport.  Our simple aim was to both reduce cost to the teams taking part while also ensuring the regattas could take place in multiple destinations - sailing is increasingly popular and we wanted to take the excitement of racing to the people," he said.  "This is why we approached DHL, who through its Formula One logistics work, has secured a respected reputation for fast and efficient transport of complex equipment across the world, in support of a high-profile event."

The RC 44 Championship Tour will visit five other sailing destinations this season, including Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy), Traunsee (Austria), Lake Garda (Italy) and Trieste (Italy).  

As a member of the 1996 British Sailing Team and British Soling Champion in the same year, David Wilson, DHL Sales Director for Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa (EEMEA) will join the crew on board Russell Coutts' Team ES Bankers Dubai, during one of the races of the Dubai Cup.  Two other experienced sailors, David Norris, DHL Area Sales Manager, and Alan Skennerton of Dubai Civil Aviation, will also join a team as onboard guests.

The RC 44 Championship Tour attracts some of the world's best sailors including Russell Coutts, James Spithill, Cameron Appleton, Sébastien Col, Markus Wieser and Morten Henriksen, all of whom will compete for the professional match race champion crown.

The series has also resulted in the development of innovative new solutions in yacht design that make the safe and secure transport of racing yachts and equipment easier.  These include a removable stern (back section) on each yacht, a detachable keel and a mast that divides into two; the yacht and its equipment can all fit into a 40-foot container that can be air-freighted. 

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About DHL
DHL is the global market leader of the international express and logistics industry specializing in providing innovative and customized solutions from a single source. DHL offers expertise in express, air and ocean freight, overland transport, contract logistic solutions as well as international mail services, combined with worldwide coverage and an in-depth understanding of local markets. DHL's international network links more than 220 countries and territories worldwide.  More than 300,000 employees are dedicated to providing fast and reliable services that exceed customers' expectations.

DHL is a Deutsche Post World Net brand. The group generated revenues of 60bn euros in 2006.

For more information please contact:
Sonia Larsen
ASDA'A Public Relations,
Exclusive Affiliate of Edelman PR Worldwide in Middle East and North Africa
Dubai,
UAE
Tel: +971-4-3344550
Fax: +971-4-3344556
Email: S.Larsen@asdaa.com

© Press Release 2008