Sperry Top-Sider®, an iconic American brand best known for inventing the first performance boat shoe, and the New York Yacht Club®, one of the pre-eminent yacht clubs in the world, today announced a multi-year partnership to celebrate their shared passion for the sea and commitment to promoting the sport and lifestyle of sailing. Through the new alliance, Sperry Top-Sider will serve as the exclusive footwear sponsor of the inaugural and much anticipated New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup to be held September 15-19, 2009, in Newport, R.I., as well as be involved in additional New York Yacht Club events.

The New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup will feature competitive, world-class, Corinthian sailing among 21 teams representing premier yacht clubs from around the globe, and will be sailed on Narragansett Bay and Rhode Island Sound.  On these same waters, the New York Yacht Club hosted the America’s Cup – a trophy it first won in 1851 – from 1930-1983, or from its 14th Defense in 1930 to the 25th Defense in 1983. The sailing is expected to be tough and demanding, while the on-land activities will celebrate the camaraderie so revered in the sport.

“Sperry Top-Sider has been creating footwear for people with a passion for the sea since 1935, and our brand has become an integral part of the sailing lifestyle both on and off the water,” said Craig Reingold, president, Sperry Top-Sider. “As the official footwear sponsor of the New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup, we’re thrilled to begin a long-term relationship with this iconic institution, which shares our same commitment to and love for the sport. The Invitational Cup is the perfect platform to promote the purity and universal appeal of sailing to a global audience.”

Sperry Top-Sider invented the first performance boat shoe for sailors in 1935, and since then has consistently brought innovation to the sport. The New York Yacht Club, founded in 1844, is one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in America.

“Uniting their efforts, Sperry Top-Sider and the New York Yacht Club will promote their common passion for sailing worldwide,” said John Mendez, chair of the New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup. “Both organizations share a long and vital history in sailing and a common interest and goal to promote and enhance the sport of sailing.”

Barby MacGowan

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 10 March 2009 )