Cornwall – Where turf meets surf

The ultimate culture clash returns to Cornwall this September as Veuve Clicquot bring the world of polo to one of the country’s best surfing beaches. Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach will see teams sponsored by Knight Frank and Kier Western compete at Watergate Bay in an exhibition match of arena-style polo on Tuesday 9th September.

Well-known for hosting top-flight surfing and kitesurfing competitions, Watergate Bay was the venue for the first ever polo match to be played on a UK beach last June. The event captured the imagination of people throughout the country, generating national media coverage and attracting hundreds of people to watch the match on the beach.

“Veuve Clicquot is pleased to continue its association with Polo on the Beach and integrate such a beautiful event within the exciting Clicquot season. The occasion is a unique opportunity to experience polo on a spectacular playing surface - whilst enjoying the finest Veuve Clicquot,” said Brand Manager Melanie Boury.

With over 20 ponies on the beach, and spectators able to get close to the action on the sand, Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach is set to become a thrilling climax to the season.

The match will follow arena polo rules, with each team made up of three players. Covering a smaller area than conventional polo, arena polo is fast-paced and exciting, giving spectators the advantage of watching the action at close quarters.

Organisers have already secured an appearance from Barbara Zingg - Polo Manager for Sandhurst Military Academy and one of the leading European lady players - and are confident that several other high goal players from the top end of the sport will also take part.

“The logistics of playing a polo match on the beach are definitely a challenge,” said Andrew Burgess of South West Polo, who are organising the ponies and players for the match. “We will be transporting 20 polo ponies in big horse boxes down narrow Cornish lanes just to get to the beach, and when they get there the ocean will be a new experience for them.

“The big challenge for the players comes in adapting to the unusual playing surface; the sand is much softer than the typical arena polo surface, and I think it will be a real leveller between the amateur and professional players.”

Last year’s event was staged with the intention of bringing polo to an audience who would have perhaps never have the opportunity to see the sport played.

The match drew spectators from all walks of life; cocktail dresses merged with wetsuits as seasoned polo fans, horse-lovers, locals, holidaymakers, and curious surfers congregated on the sand.

Again, Veuve Clicquot Polo on the Beach is completely free for spectators at Watergate Bay, who will be able to take advantage of the Veuve Clicquot champagne bar and seafood bar which open on the beach from 6.00pm, before the teams, Knight Frank and Kier Western, ride out to play the first chukka at 6.30pm.

“Last year’s beach polo match was great fun – a real action packed spectacular - and we’re delighted to sponsor the event for a second year,” said Miles Kevin, Partner at Knight Frank.

“Watergate Bay is a stunning location and it is unique events like this, combined with the region’s reputation as the surf capital of the UK and restaurants such as the Jamie Oliver-inspired Fifteen Cornwall, that help to continue to grow the popularity of the area. Certainly we continue to see strong interest in the homes we have available in the Watergate Bay and Newquay areas.”

New team sponsors for the event this year are construction company Kier Western. Regional Business Development Manager Tim Westwood, commented: “Watergate Bay is a great location for exciting outdoor events such as these, we are delighted to be involved in the 2008 event as team sponsors for the first time and are really looking forward to staging the match.”

A limited number of hospitality packages are available at The Hotel, starting with a champagne and canapé reception from 5.30pm. Guests will be able to enjoy the match from the hotel’s deck, and the package also includes a seafood barbeque on the pool terrace after the trophy presentation, and entry to the post-polo party in the Ocean Room.

Hospitality tickets are available from Claire Davies (claire@watergatebay.co.uk) for £90.00 per person.