When 250,000 visitors converge on the seaport village of Beaufort, N.C. for the Pepsi Americas' Sail 2006 during the July 4th weekend, they will enjoy colorful flags and banners, along with much welcome shade, thanks to Sunbrella marine fabrics donated by Glen Raven, Inc.
Glen Raven is also the official sponsor for one of the most visible vessels taking part in the event, the Meka II owned by Captain Horatio Sinbad of Beaufort.
"This event will be key for North Carolina tourism during 2006 and for that reason we wanted to lend our support," said Steve Ellington, general manager of Glen Raven Custom Fabrics, LLC, makers of Sunbrella fabrics. "Virtually everywhere you go in Beaufort during the July 4th week, you will see Sunbrella fabrics."
Tall ships from around the world will be competing in the Pepsi Americas' Sail 2006, which runs from June 30 - July 5 in Beaufort and the Morehead City area. Throughout the week, visitors to the area will have the opportunity to get up-close views of magnificent tall ships as part of a special maritime celebration hosted by the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum.
Beaufort earned the right to host Pepsi Americas' Sail when Capt. Horatio Sinbad, a local pirate and sailing legend, won a race to Montego Bay, Jamaica during Americas' Sail 2002. His victory earned him the right to bring the tall ships gala to his home port of Beaufort.
"Captain Sinbad has been using Sunbrella fabrics on his boat for more than 20 years, and we were honored to sign on as the official sponsor of his vessel, Meka II," Ellington said. "While the Meka II is the focal point of our involvement, we will provide fabrics for use throughout the festival in Beaufort."
Look for Sunbrella fabrics used in commemorative items for sale as fund raising items, as well as in flags and banners. Sunbrella fabrics will also be used in some of the hospitality tents and for a special permanent covered patio structure along the waterfront.
Leading Glen Raven's sponsorship for the Pepsi Americas' Sail 2006 is Derek Robinson, Sunbrella marine products manager, and Sue Rich, Sunbrella merchandising manager. They are directing a team of Glen Raven employees who are working closely with festival organizers on their various fabric needs.
"Beaufort has tremendous potential as a center for maritime history in North Carolina, and Pepsi America's Sail will provide an important boost for that effort," Robinson said. "In addition, the marine industry is continuing to grow steadily in North Carolina, and this event gives us an opportunity to showcase our growing family of boat manufacturers and suppliers."
The Americas' Sail festival, sponsored by a New York-based organization committed to celebrate sailing, is held every four years. This year's events begins in Brazil, where the world's largest tall ships will embark on a race to the Dominican Republic. Those ships will then travel to Beaufort for the conclusion of this year's festival.
The Beaufort waterfront will be a lively scene throughout the week, featuring music, entertainment and special maritime programs for children and adults. Highlights include a 15-mile tall ships race along the shores of Atlantic Beach featuring Capt. Sinbad's Meka II, a 54-foot replica of a 17th-century pirate brigantine.
Proceeds from Pepsi Americas' Sail 2006 will benefit Olde Beaufort Seaport, a turn-of-the-century maritime village being developed along Gallants Channel in Beaufort.
