The International Stock Exchange has teamed up with Guernsey sailor Andrew Bridgman to support his participation at the world championships in Melbourne.
During the summer, The International Stock Exchange (TISE) sponsored the sailing competition in the Island Games where Mr Bridgman won gold in the ILCA 7 class on home waters. Now TISE, in the guise of its new private markets service, TISE Private Markets, is backing Mr Bridgman as he seeks a global title as part of the Great Britain team which will compete in the world championships in Australia.
Cees Vermaas, CEO of TISE, said: “We were very pleased to support the sailing event in the Island Games, which was an intense competition and where we got to know Andrew as a gold medallist for Guernsey. It is fantastic that he is also wanting to test himself by competing on the international stage and so we are delighted that we can support him in his mission to be world champion. It’s very exciting for us, as part of our 25 th anniversary celebrations, to work with someone who is committed to being at the very top of their sport.”
TISE is providing £5,000 of financial support to Mr Bridgman which will go towards the costs of competing in Australia, including his boat, other equipment, and coaching in Melbourne, as well as travel and accommodation. Mr Bridgman recently qualified as an actuary but has paused his career to focus on training for the world championships.
Mr Bridgman is a former junior world champion and has previously participated at world championships in the Laser Class and Foiling Waszp Class. He will be spending most of his time training with the Great Britain team in Weymouth before heading to Australia in December to compete in the Foiling Waszp World Championships which are being hosted by the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club in Melbourne between 10 and 16 December.
Mr Bridgman said: “Winning gold at a home Island Games is very special but now I’m fully focused on the world championships. I’m making sure that the preparation puts me in the best possible position to compete at this level and unfortunately that has meant giving up my job but that’s why I’m even more thankful to TISE for their support. It’s great to be able to travel the world and represent not just Great Britain but also Guernsey and a successful, innovative company like TISE.”
