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The pan-European event, which has its inaugural race in 2004 joins just five other yacht races granted this prestigious status.

Delighted event organiser, Edward LEASK, Managing Director of Euro Prix Yachting Limited and Fast Track Events, commented, "Timberland Euro Prix has been designed from a basis of over 20 years Olympic sailing and sports marketing experience. It will be a tough, exciting race, which delivers just what the sailors want. For a race, in its first year, to join the ranks of the ISAF World Championship, Olympics, America's Cup and Volvo Ocean Race, is a great honour. Timberland Euro Prix is a race to be won."

ISAF President Paul HENDERSON commented, "We welcome the opportunity to work with innovative sailing races from their conception. We have worked closely with the organisers of Timberland Euro Prix for 2 years. The decision was not taken lightly to give the event Major and Special Event Status but the structure, organisation and concept of the Timberland Euro Prix makes it, we believe, a high calibre European event."

Race Director, John DOERR, commented, "From a race perspective, this is a real bonus. It puts Timberland Euro Prix firmly in the international sailing calendar. We will now be able to work with ISAF to appoint a top class jury, critical for the success of a race of this nature."

"Our confidence in the choice of Euro Prix as our only significant European sponsorship can only increase with the news that Euro Prix has been awarded Major and Special Event Status by ISAF, even before the event has taken place!" commented Vice President & Managing Director, Timberland Europe Richard O ROURKE.

"This is a major achievement and underscores the confidence placed in Fast Track by the international yachting community."

Timberland Euro Prix will pit nations head to head in a round Europe yacht race with a total prize fund of €250,000. The teams will race from Italy to Spain, Portugal, France, UK and Germany, finishing in Norway on 21 June.

Timberland is a global leader in the design and engineering of premium-quality footwear, apparel, and accessories for consumers who value the outdoors and their time in it. Timberland products offer quality workmanship and detailing and are built to withstand the elements of nature. Timberland will support their sponsorship of Timberland Euro Prix with a fully integrated pan-European communications programme.

Timberland will also organise community support events, in which Timberland staff, local retailers, the port authority and competitors will participate, emphasising the company's commitment to community involvement on a global basis. The Timberland Euro Prix apparel range will be available in each race village as well as selected retail outlets.

Further information on the event is available on the event website at the address below.