Four young sailors competing this week in Rhode Island are being sponsored by HWP and five other corporate sponsors.

Dimitri Stevens and Tarreko Wilson of Dellwood Middle School along with Raheim Steede and Joshua Hughes of Spice Valley Middle School left the Island on Saturday to participate in the 2007 United States Optimist Dinghy Association's (USODA) New England Championships taking place this week in Newport.

The four are graduates of the WaterWise programme, created in 1999, under the direction of Paul Doughty.

All of the boys have made it to the level of advanced optimist sailor via a year round sailing programme created by BODA, BSA and RBYC, assisted by a grant from the Ross Blackie Talbot Charity Classic.

The trip was organised by the Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association (BODA), the Bermuda Sailing Association (BSA) and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC).

The WaterWise Program began in 1999 with a pilot scheme and was fully implemented in 2002 as a collaboration between the Bermuda Sailing Association and the Bermuda Government to introduce middle school children to their maritime heritage and teach them about water safety and aquatic awareness in a safe, controlled marine environment.

Somers Cooper, President of the Bermuda Sailing Association, said there are many benefits of international competition for young sailors including forming lasting bonds with teammates, becoming outstanding athletes and meeting people from all around the world. He applauded the four for their hard work and dedication and thanked HWP for their support.

Allan Brooks, Chief Operating Officer of HWP, said: "We are delighted to be able to sponsor these four young sailors as they participate in the 2007 USODA New England Championships.

"Sailing requires skill, determination and an understanding of the challenges and risks associated with that most beautiful yet unforgiving of environments the sea. We commend these youngsters for their commitment to the sport, and we thank the Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association, the Bermuda Sailing Association and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club for their part in organising this trip."

Other sponsors include Aspen RE, Belco, BTC, Butterfield & Vallis and FRAM Shipping.