2022 Newport Bermuda Race announces AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings as official sponsor

High-gloss, Awlgrip-brand painted topsides and Interlux-painted bottoms (green) are standard for many boats in the Newport Bermuda Race © AkzoNobel

The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee (BROC) is pleased to welcome AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings as an Official Sponsor of the 2022 "Thrash to the Onion Patch."

"As a frequent competitor in this race, I know the importance of having a smooth hull surface. So I'm thrilled to see the well-respected global brand AkzoNobel with their extensive product range join the Newport Bermuda Race and support our sailors," said Somers Kempe, Chairman of the 2022 race organizing committee.

AkzoNobel supplies sustainable and innovative paints and coatings that customers, communities—and the environment—are increasingly relying on. Their world class portfolio of brands, including Awlgrip, Interlux, International, and SeaHawk, is trusted by customers around the globe. The company is pioneering a world of possibilities to protect and enhance boats by taking genuine action to address globally relevant challenges and protect future generations.

Matt Anzardo, Global Yacht Segment Manager at AkzoNobel Yacht Coatings, said: "We've set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It's what you'd expect from a pioneering paints company that's committed to science-based targets, and AkzoNobel is delighted to support one of sailing's most beloved ocean races, The Newport Bermuda Race, by becoming an Official Sponsor of the event."

"The event embodies all that is best about racing— at AkzoNobel we share that special understanding of the drive for top performance, since we're committed boaters ourselves.

"It is among the reasons why we continually strive to produce the ultimate above and below the waterline performance and protective coatings, which combine unrivaled performance with the highest standards of sustainability.

"It comes after we recently made unprecedented investment in our brand, technologies and partnerships to ensure we can continue to remain the trusted partner for the entire boating sector."

The race is set to start in Newport, R.I., on June 17, 2022, and to date 193 boats have registered.