Yanmar America Corporation last week announced it will sponsor GetMyBoat’s Joyride sailboat racing team for the 2023-2024 season. GetMyBoat is a boat rental and water-experience company that aims to improve accessibility to boating and on-water experiences for its customers.
In a statement, Yanmar said it has “long supported the world’s mariners with high-performance marine engines and drive systems of superior quality and looks to deepen its understanding of recreational marine activities through its association with the Joyride racing team.”
Yanmar says its goal is invigorate and enliven the world of sailing. The company has a long history of involvement in sailing including youth foiling, wakeboarding and America’s Cup campaigns. Yanmar also has a professional team, YANMAR Racing, that competes around the world in the Dragon class.
The Joyride racing team is led by GetMyBoat’s vice president of sales, Doug Bird. “The Melges 32 is a great platform for our mission; it is incredibly fun, fast and competitive, allowing sailors of any ability to experience high-performance sailing,” Bird said in the statement. “The team represents an opportunity for people looking to take a step forward in their racing and do so while having fun.” This past season, Bird and his team won the CCV PHRF A Boat of the Year in addition to other trophies.
