Pindar Agrees Four Year Sponsorship With Hannah Mills

Pindar, the leading international print and electronic media company, has agreed a four year sponsorship with one of British sailing's most exciting prospects, Hannah Mills, it was announced today © Marc Turner

Pindar, the leading international print and electronic media company, has agreed a four year sponsorship with one of British sailing's most exciting prospects, Hannah Mills, it was announced today.

The sponsorship will work in addition to their on-going sponsorship of Emma Richards, one of the leading stars of world sailing, who Pindar have sponsored for the past four years. Pindar made the decision to expand their support of sailing after Emma met Hannah on a day sail for young sailors in her role as an Ambassador of the HSBC Education Trust. Following Emma's recommendation, Pindar has agreed to back Hannah Mills’ sailing career for the next four years. This includes the purchase of a new state of the art 420 dinghy and financial support to help with additional coaching and campaign costs. As well as continuing with her own sailing career, Hannah, 15, will also have the opportunity to work alongside Emma in training and in competition.

Mills, 15, from Cardiff in Wales, is one of the most promising talents emerging in British sailing today who has recently made the step-up to the 420 circuit and whose long-term plan is to compete at an Olympic Games. Hannah made her name racing in the Optimist class, notching up a number of impressive results which saw her finish 2002 ranked first overall in the UK for her age group and finished first out of 120 in the National Championships. Last year she was also awarded a number of trophies in recognition of her achievements including UK Young Sailor of the Year and BBC Wales Young Sports Personality of the Year.

In 2003, Hannah has continued to excel. She came first overall in the Bressemermeer Easter Regatta (Holland) and also in the GB selection trials, earning her a place representing Great Britain at the World Championships in Gran Canaria, where she was crowned Girl’s World Champion and finished fifth overall. She then moved into the 420 Class, and has already made her mark by being selected for the 2004 World Championships which take place in January in Melbourne.

Hannah Mills commented:

"I'm really excited to be joining the Pindar team. It is great to have the opportunity to train even harder so that I can improve faster. I have followed Emma’s career ever since I started sailing and can't wait to work with her and Pindar.”

Robin Gray, Head of Sponsorship at Pindar commented:

"Since the commencement of our sponsorship of Emma Richards nearly five years ago when she was an undiscovered talent, her performance both on the water and as an ambassador for our company has given us a great return on our investment as well as much enjoyment. We aim to continue to develop this and be involved with the future of British sailing, which is why we are thrilled to have reached an agreement with Hannah’s parents for us to support Hannah over the next four years."

Emma Richards commented:

“When I first met Hannah, I instantly liked her. She is a fantastic sailor already, who has come from a similar sailing background to me, with a personality to match and has huge potential to succeed. I am sure that with the support of all the Pindar team she’ll continue to go from strength to strength.”