After an extremely successful seven years, Raymarine has announced it will end its title sponsorship of the Raymarine Warsash Spring Series when the 2009 series, racing from 15 March to 26 April, completes its run with a grand prize-giving event on Friday 15 May.

The Portsmouth headquartered marine electronics manufacturer became the title sponsor in 2003, supporting the series which has grown to be recognised as the Solent’s premier early season event. Over 270 boats entered the series in 2008, with Warsash Sailing Club running three separate start lines and courses.

Since its inception in 1984, the Spring Series has seen the first on the water presence of many new and famous boats, with crews using it as their first campaign training sessions before going on to success in the Admiral’s Cup, Commodore’s Cup, Cowes Week, Fastnet Race and Cork Week.

Peter Bateson, Chairman of the Raymarine Warsash Spring Series said: “At Warsash Sailing Club we’ve been so pleased to have Raymarine’s support over the past seven years. The company has been an ideal sponsor – keenly interested in the sport, with a notable presence ashore and afloat, from committee boat duty to sharing stories from the racing back in the clubhouse bar. Raymarine’s help has ensured our series as the premier early season event.”

Fiona Pankhurst, Head of Corporate Marketing and PR at Raymarine said she would miss being involved with the event. “It’s been a great partnership and we have really enjoyed working with all the team at Warsash Sailing Club. Over the seven years we’ve been involved with the whole of the series giving not only financial support but also our time, on and off the water, numerous bottles of champagne for all the very worthy race winners, as well as the coveted Raymarine Spirit of the Event trophy. We will be making the most of this final year for Raymarine and we look forward to welcoming as many boats as possible to the start line this season.”

The final Raymarine Warsash Spring Series starts on 15 March, and continues on 22, 29 March, and April 5, 19 and 26. The Black Group classes (IRC, J109, J105) will generally have one race per day, with the White Group (Laser SB3, J80, Hunter 707 and SBR Sportboats) enjoying three shorter races. The Spring Championship for ‘Big Boats’ – the 45 foot class, First 40.7, and other one designs – takes place on 4-5 April and 25-26 April, with 12 races over the two weekends. The Spring Championship for the White Group takes place on 18-19 April and 25-26 April, with the grand finale on 25-26 April for the deciding races in both the Spring Championships and the Raymarine Warsash Spring Series. The final Raymarine Warsash Spring Series prize-giving will take place on Friday 15 May at Warsash Sailing Club.