Born and raised in East London, 39 year old Nigel King left the market stalls of Walthamstow when his first chance to sail came at age 18. He has sailed over 90,000 miles offshore. Nigel thrives on pushing his personal limits; his thirst for challenge has driven him from fully-crewed events with the world’s finest sailors to solo sailing.
He’s sailed in five trans-ocean crossings, completed three Fastnet Races and competed in a number of other races including the Sydney/Hobart, Newport to Bermuda, Gotland Rund, North Sea, Middle Sea, Admirals Cup and the Maxi One Design. Nigel has sailed with some of the best sailors in the world: Dame Ellen MacArthur and the current IMOCA World Champion Mike Golding, both of whom made their names in the Vendée Globe.
Nigel will be working in association with Team Aqua in the RC44 series at the tail end of the 2008 season which will lead on to him playing a fuller part in their 2009 campaign . He will be attending the start of the Vendée Globe and is expected to be commentating for one of the major TV Channels on the big day further fueling his own dreams to one day be on that start line.
Nigel's 2009 campaign will be a mixture of activity but will still focus on La Solitaire du Figaro with the hope of securing the top British finish in this fiercely contested race. Some of the French sailors have even said that if he brings his boat back to Britain they will come back with him and contribute to his training programme - so keen are they that he competes in next years race. He is in discussions with a number of sponsors about funding his campaign and is keen to talk to people who see the value in him as a "personality" as well as seeking sponsorship profile through his sailing programme. He is seeking an official clothing sponsor and marina berthing in the UK but more importantly the funds to cover the costs of his campaign. This opportunity would definitely suit a company seeking to maximise their exposure in France and the rest of Europe.
He is offering:
- A 3 year strategic program
- Full project naming rights
- Integrated Media exposure one of Europe's most respected events
- B2B VIP hospitality
- B2C opportunities
Endorsements:
Royal Yachting Association
“Since Nigel began working on the Volvo / RYA keel boat program, Nigel has made himself available to all, at all levels , no matter where he is in the world. Without his input, many would not have gained the competence they now have. .. an inspiration to us all , a true professional.”
Dave Atkinson, RYA Racing Services Manager
Aviva Ocean Racing
“My decision in sailing with Nigel has many underlying factors. This is my last opportunity before I have to go it alone for personal coaching to build my confidence to sail these boats, hard and fast. Nigel‘s strong offshore experience lets him impart knowledge with excellent communication skills. His skills are not just in sailing and decision-making but also in boat building and sail-making .”
Dee Caffari, Skipper
Merriweather training & development
“When you’re a leader who wants to inspire and motivate your team, the Merriweather technique will support you in achieving your success. We make this happen through coaches like Nigel King, who are business professionals, academics and adventurers. Nigel’s success and experience in the multi faceted world of offshore racing, linked to his exception communication skills make him am ideal choice to help inspire teams and their leaders”
Richard Merriweather, Chief Executive
Nigel's Track Record:
- Beneteau Figaro II Solo Les Sables 2008 14th
- Extreme 40 IShares Cup Hyeres, France - Team BT 6th
- Extreme 40 IShares Cup Cowes, UK - Team IShares 6th
- Beneteau Figaro II circuit 2007 5th, 13th and 15th in his first full season on Figaro circuit series http://www.classfigarobeneteau.com/
- SNSM Race, France 2006 Tactician and helm, ECOVER - Skipper Mike Golding , 284 miles around Brittany, breaking the race record by over 2 hours http://www.recordsnsm.com/
- Volvo Ocean Race 2005 Member PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN team http://www.volvoocearace.com/
- Jules Verne Record Attempt, 2003 Crew Team KINGFISHER, Skipper Ellen MacArthur
- Volvo Ocean Race, 2001-2002 Crew Team NEWS CORP http://www.volvooceanrace.com/
- EDS Atlantic Challenge, 2001 Crew ECOVER Open 60. Skipper Mike Golding
- UK Soling Olympic Trials, 1996 Finished in 6TH overall at Atlanta Olympics trials
- Won four National Sailing Championships during his career
Provisional Programme for 2008 ~ 2009:
2008 Event Team
8th - 12th October RC44 Circuit - Trieste, Italy Team Aqua
20th - 25th October Rolex Middle Sea Race Straight Dealer
10th - 14th December RC44 Circuit - Gold Cup, Canary Islands Team Aqua
2009
25th Feb. - 1st March RC44 Circuit - Lanzarote, Canary Island Team Aqua
27th - 29th March La Solitaire du Figaro Qualification Nigel King Yachting
22nd - 26th April RC44 Circuit - Cagliari Team Aqua
8th - 10th May La Solitaire du Figaro Qualification Nigel King Yachting
25th - 31st May RC44 Circuit - Austria Team Aqua
8th - 12th July RC44 Circuit - Lake Garda, Italy Team Aqua
27th July - 28th August La Solitaire du Figaro 2009 Nigel King Yachting
TBA - September RC44 Circuit - TBA Team Aqua
Early November Transat Jacques Vabre Class 40 TBA - Possible
25th - 31st November RC44 Circuit - Dubai Team Aqua
Nigel's campaign does offer a unique opportunity for penetration into the French and other European Markets - anyone interested in supporting Nigel's Campaign should contact dgreen@3greenlights.com
