Conyers Dill & Pearman, the international offshore law firm, have confirmed that they will be the major sponsors of the BVI Youth Sailing Team to compete in the Colonial Insurance 2002 North American Championship.

Partner, Guy Eldridge, himself an avid sailor, handed over a cheque on July 17, 2002 in the British Virgin Islands to aid the team of BV Islands residents who will compete at the nine day event in Bermuda later this month.

"CD&P are committed to corporate citizenship and we find there is tremendous social value in nurturing our youth through sporting ventures," stated Ross Webber, Head of Marketing for Conyers Dill & Pearman.

"We have consistently demonstrated this in our community efforts here at home in Bermuda and we are pleased that this culture is permeating through our international offices." Conyers Dill & Pearman are active supporters of the Royal BVI Yacht Club's Watersports Programme and Mr. Eldridge commented on his firm's keenness to encourage competitive youth sailing.

He added: "This was a natural fit for CD&P. We have our HQ in Bermuda and operations in Anguilla, British Virgin Islands and Cayman. Sending a sailing team from the British Virgin Islands to my home country for an international competition will help to forge special links and friendship between BVI and Bermuda.

"This sentiment gives the fund raising campaign a special meaning for us and I hope the team will enjoy the experience. The event attracts the best young sailors from the Caribbean, United States and Canada and will expose our team to sailing at a very high level."