Entries are now open online for the first Ocean BMW Torbay Week, the major new sailing regatta taking place in August in South Devon.

The regatta combines the existing three Torbay regattas – Brixham, Paignton and Royal Torbay – and instead the clubs, together with Babbacombe Corinthian Sailing Club, will combine their extensive expertise and resources to host the new week, taking place from August 22 to 27.

Racing will take place for all classes of yachts, sportsboats and dinghies and there will be a full programme of shore based entertainment and activities.

Tim Whitehead, acting Torbay Week Director, said: "We have a fantastic tradition in Torbay for running good competitive racing, dating back to 1948 when the Bay was chosen to host the sailing Olympics.

"Each of the four clubs has their own specialisms and by working together we can put on an event everyone will remember and enjoy and want to return to."

The racing will focus on a three day championship with varied racing from short windward leeward courses to longer coastal racing.

The week will also incorporate the traditional RNLI pursuit race which has been a favourite for decades in Brixham, corporate and team racing and it will conclude with the long-established Passage Race which takes the yachts to Dartmouth Regatta.

Tim added: "We have received much valued feedback from competitors and have identified and incorporated what sailors have asked us for.

"We recognise crews do sometimes struggle to take time off work so we have created the three day championship over the Bank Holiday weekend specifically for this reason together with weekday events in which family, reserve or corporate crews can take part."

A reduced price applies for entries received before August 20 of just £70 for an IRC yacht and £30 for a dinghy. There will also be free berthing at town moorings and free launching for any dinghies taking part.

For further information on Torbay Week, please contact Tim Whitehead on 01803 858022 or for further press information, please contact Katina Read at Splash Publicity on 01803 858525 / 07811 774620 or email katina@splashpublicity.co.uk.

The very first Torbay Week, a brand new regatta, is getting off to a sparkling start.

The official launch of the exciting new six-day event will be a high-powered affair as Ocean BMW (Torbay) is announced as the major event sponsor. The dealership, which has a showroom in Paignton, is to support the event with the largest amount ever paid in sponsorship for a Tor Bay based sailing regatta. It is a major coup for the organisers of the event, which will replace Torbay’s existing sailing regattas – Babbacombe, Royal Torbay, Paignton and Brixham – and will take place between Friday 22nd and Wednesday 27th August 2008, featuring a three-day championship for all classes and a two day Admiral’s Cup team event.

The event has sparked huge amounts of interest from sailors both locally and across the south coast and organisers are delighted that Ocean BMW has come on board.

Tim Whitehead, Director of Ocean BMW Torbay Week 2008, said the backing of such a prestigious firm would help raise the profile of the event considerably and help to make it even more of a success.

He said: "It's fantastic news for everyone. This is the first time the four Bay sailing and yacht clubs have worked together and it's very exciting. It will be a wonderful event which we hope will grow in future years.

"Ocean BMW has shown its support and commitment by coming in with us at the start. We are confident it will be a huge success with first class competition."

He added: "We wanted an event which will appeal to all, which is why we have some special races planned including the Admiral's Cup team racing. We've already had much initial interest in the event from our local sailors and I hope that sailors from further afield will come and join us to help make this a truly memorable week."

Gary Bolton, General Manager from Ocean BMW said he was thrilled to be involved with the first ever Torbay Week.

"The event fits our ethos exactly and we are confident that this, the first time the event has been held, will be a huge success. 2008 is a very big year for Ocean BMW with our redevelopment plans and move to new premises in Edginswell Business Park scheduled for later in the year. As a company we are totally committed to Torbay and this sponsorship deal enables us to put something back into the area."

Internationally, BMW has already been heavily involved with sailing, particularly with its sponsorship of the America's Cup racing.

Ocean BMW Torbay Week 2008 will not only provide world-class racing for yachts and dinghies in the Tor Bay area but also a full schedule of après-sailing entertainment around the Bay's three harboursides.

Organisation of the event is being undertaken by a management team comprising representatives from the Babbacombe, Brixham, Paignton and Royal Torbay clubs as well as the Torbay Development Agency. Aviva Pearson, Director of Tourism at the TDA, commented: "This event is set to become an important part of the country's sailing calendar, and will be superb not just for competitors but for spectators and everyone else involved. We are really looking forward to our partnership with Ocean BMW in 2008."

Throughout the week there will be free berthing at town moorings and free launching for any dinghies taking part. There will also be the usual parties, live music and après-sail after racing in Babbacombe Corinthian Sailing Club, Brixham Yacht Club, Paignton Sailing Club and Royal Torbay Yacht Club.

For further information on Ocean BMW Torbay Week 2008, please contact Tim Whitehead on 01803 858022 or for further press information, please contact Katina Read at Splash Publicity on 01803 858525 / 07811 774620 or email katina@splashpublicity.co.uk