The suppliers of the 150 support boats, needed for the 2012 London Olympics, have today been announced by LOCOG, the games’ organising committee.

LOCOG needed to charter RIBs and motorboats and buy outboard motors in order to stage the water-based events – sailing, rowing, canoeing, triathalon and open-water swimming.

Another 30 vessels are to be sourced by the RYA from sailing clubs across the UK.

Every boat owner from Weymouth & Portland who responded to the tender with a boat that meets requirements was offered a contract with LOCOG.

These boats will be responsible for race management and marshalling duties, guaranteeing 23 consecutive days of charter work for the owners.

Chris Townsend, LOCOG commercial director, said: ‘The boat and marine services procurement LOCOG has undertaken this year has provided significant wins for a range of different companies across the south-west and south-east of England, including charter contracts for 19 boats from the Weymouth and Portland area.

‘Securing the supply of a wide range of boats for use by different client groups including mark layers, marshals and media is a major milestone in the journey towards the successful staging of the water-based events at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.’

Cowes-based South Boats Special Projects Ltd has been commissioned to build a new 11m catamaran that will be one of five committee boats at the sailing events and will be donated by LOCOG to the RYA after the games.

Four mark-laying RIBs will also be donated to the RYA.

Rob Stevens, chief executive of the British Marine Federation,
said: ‘I am delighted that so many British and British-based companies have won
contracts for the 2012 Olympics.

‘This is a great start to what
promises to be a wonderful opportunity for British marine companies to
maximise the benefits that the games will bring pre, during and post,
whilst also showcasing British excellence to a global audience.’

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