Bahamas Speed Week Revival organizers announced today that one of the world’s leading international private financial institutions, Pictet Bank & Trust, will once again sponsor the social highlight of the event, the Pictet Speed Week Ball and Auction of Promises to be held December 1 with proceeds of the auction benefitting four Bahamian charities.
“Pictet’s presence once again adds prestige to a series of events already promising to be the sporting and social highlight of the year, Bahamas Speed Week 2012,” said Jimmie Lowe, Speed Week President. “Pictet was a great partner last year and the fact that an international institution of Pictet’s reputation is eager to return speaks volumes about the calibre and quality of the event.”
In 2011, when Bahamas Speed Week was revived after a 46-year hiatus, it drew rare cars and classic race car enthusiasts from around the world, including circuit celebrities and CEOs from global companies. With racing legend Sir Stirling Moss as Speed Week patron and Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes as honorary patron of the Gala Ball and Auction of Promises, the series of hill climbs and time trials around Arawak Cay against the backdrop of Nassau harbour attracted overwhelming international media coverage. Magazine articles appeared for months after the event was over and massive billboards in New York’s Times Square and Las Vegas shouted the results.
“The attention was incredible,” said Lowe, “and this year we expect local attendance to be far greater. But we could not do this without sponsors like the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Works which is working on major upgrades and private sponsors like Pictet.”
British organizer David McLaughlin said Speed Week 2012 promises to exceed last year’s with more activities and a second British racing legend, Derek Bell set to player a bigger role.
“It will be a full week of activities this year including exhibitions, a sprint at Arawak Cay, a hill climb at Fort Charlotte, Paddock Club, an island tour, the Concours d’Elegance followed by a luncheon at Lyford Cay and the gala banquet and auction,” said McLaughlin. “Among the most popular events is likely to be an evening when all participating cars will be on display under the lights and tight security on Bay Street stretching from Frederick Street to Parliament Street. Bay Street will be closed to traffic during that time.”
For Pictet, with a presence in 19 countries, sponsorship offers the opportunity to invite very special guests to Nassau to witness the historic event and enjoy the interaction with drivers and guests.
“We are very proud to be an integral part of Bahamas Speed Week Revival,” said Yves Lourdin, Managing Director, Pictet Bahamas. “This series promises to bring a contemporary touch to the glamour and excitement reminiscent of days gone by and its charitable component holds great appeal to us as an international leader in private wealth and institutional asset management.” The December 1 benefit and Auction of Promises will be held at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort. Benefitting charities will be announced shortly.
Diane Phillips & Associates
Caption: PICTET AUCTION OF PROMISES SPONSOR – Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, left, will again serve as patron of the Bahamas Speed Week social pinnacle with a cause, the Auction of Promises held in conjunction with the Pictet Speed Week Ball. This year’s ball, set for December 1 at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort, will be sponsored for the second straight year by Pictet Bank & Trust. Pictet Managing Director Yves Lourdin is pictured with the Governor General at the Speed Week 2011 gala when the Auction of Promises raised more than $40,000 for four local charities.
