Skinner's sponsors Cornish surf team

July 1, 2007: Cornwall’s surf team have secured the sponsorship they need to compete in this year’s Inter-Celtic Water Sports Festival in Brittany, from July 14 to 21. The main backing will come from Truro-based Skinner's Brewery, now in its third year as principal sponsor, and from an anonymous supporter.

A 20-man team will head for Brittany in confident mood, despite losing three of their 2006 stars — Jayce Robinson, under-18s winner, Grishka Roberts, masters winner, and Jamie Owen, who made the final of the open and masters.

In the opposite direction, this year’s team will include incomers Shaun Skilton, former British champion, Ben Sowter, current English under-16 champion, and Leon Mansfield, current English under 14 champion.

Captained by Ben Skinner, the Cornwall team will be competing in the under-14s, under-16s and under-18s divisions, plus the open, seniors, ladies, longboard and masters.

“The surf team has done Cornwall proud with a series of fine achievements in recent years,” said Skinner's managing director Steve Skinner. “We are delighted to be able to support them again and we wish them every success.”