The Pitch: Cupola Racing – European Sponsorship Association

By GRM

The Pitch is a new blog series from the European Sponsorship Association (ESA), offering members an online platform to pitch for sponsorship. Please contact Jonathan to book a slot or contact Anna to discuss membership.

A true test of fortitude and courage, challenging the human spirit and pushing boundaries like little else; an adventure for the bold.

Ocean racing is one of the most demanding sports on the planet, testing limits and pushing its athletes to the extreme, in the most dangerous and unpredictable of conditions. This in turn creates unparalleled excitement and drama that little else can match.

These stories and the lives of the sailors behind them provide a unique storytelling opportunity that brands can harness to align themselves with an adventurous and socially responsible elite sport which holds a firm commitment to environmental sustainability, clean- energy and positive social impact.

There are few better examples of ‘green’ sport than sailing’s reliance upon the elements to stir up waves of excitement.

Ready to make waves of their own, Cupola Racing is a new offshore sailing team seeking to showcase the thrill of the seas and inspire the next generation of sailors and fans through pioneering social channels and no small measure of ambition to take on the world’s best.

Having finished an impressive 3rd in their first competitive outing in the last edition of the Normandy Channel Race, the team have turned their focus to the 2023 Transat Jacques Vabre, the toughest and longest-running transatlantic race.

This event will see more than 300 of the world’s top sailors compete from France to the Caribbean. With more than 500,000 spectators expected at the race start and the last edition chalking up almost €40 million in media coverage value, the event offers a superb opportunity to showcase brands internationally and engage with an affluent and passionate community.

Leading this campaign at the helm of Cupola Racing are two of the sport’s rising stars, Ryan Barkey and Hugo Picard, who are eager to forge their own path and embark on the next chapter in their ocean racing journey.

Ryan Barkey, left, with Hugo Picard

A born adventurer, Ryan has over a decade’s experience navigating the seas and competing against the world’s best. From the shores of South Africa to the idyllic Whitsundays, the Canadian has ventured across the globe, honing his craft and passion for sailing.

With degrees in both Meteorology and Diesel Mechanics, Ryan’s top-notch theoretical knowledge, coupled with his impressive experience of over 85,000 nautical miles, allows him to expertly traverse the ever-changing elements of the seas.

Currently serving as Boat Captain and Reserve Skipper for Alex Thomson’s Canada Ocean Racing, the Toronto native races and trains with some of the best in the business and his growing list of achievements speaks for itself.

Hugo’s love affair with sailing began in 2017 when, called by the allure of the sea, he embarked on a remarkable journey, restoring a sailboat bought for €1 while dreaming of crossing the Atlantic. This adventure inspired the intrepid Frenchman to leave his role with the United Nations to pursue life as a professional yachtsman.

While honing his skills at the helm, Hugo has established himself as one of the world’s most-watched professional sailors, with an enormous social-media following, boasting almost 150,000 subscribers on YouTube alone. Through sharing his adventures ‘The Sailing Frenchman’ has captured the imagination of millions across the globe, providing a fascinating insight into life at sea.

Chalking up over 85,000 nautical miles and competing across a range of international events, Hugo has racked up a series of impressive results and currently sails as a part of Team Dekuple.

With the Transat Jacques Vabre looming, and a host of major transatlantic races on the horizon, Cupola Racing is seeking partners to join an epic journey as they take on sport’s boldest test.

Interested in joining the adventure?