Pegasus Racing

Introducing Pegasus of Northumberland, sponsored by the Deepbridge Estate Planning Service.

We are delighted to be sponsoring the Open 50 Class racing yacht, Pegasus of Northumberland (“Pegasus”).

The Pegasus team is led by Adrian Banks, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s several years ago, with the Pegasus Racing team aiming to highlight the positive impact sailing, and sport in general, can have on Parkinson’s sufferers – whilst maintaining the ultimate objective of challenging and breaking world records.

The crew is made up of Adrian, Professor Ross Hobson, Chris Briggs and Jon McColl, who between them have competed in and won many prestigious races over the years.

We spoke with Adrian to discuss the plans for Pegasus.

Adrian, we are delighted that the Deepbridge Estate Planning Service is sponsoring Pegasus, can you tell us a bit more about the background of this team?

Firstly, thank you to Deepbridge for sponsoring us. Having a headline sponsor enables us to prepare and race effectively and is therefore invaluable.

My background is that I am a financial adviser by trade, which is how I came to know the Deepbridge team, but my passion has always been sailing.

Having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s several years ago, my immediate assumption was that the diagnosis would prevent me from enjoying and competing in yacht racing. However, I was delighted to discover that whilst sailing many of my symptoms either disappear or are significantly reduced. This direct positive link between sailing and Parkinson’s was something I was keen to highlight. The freedom, both literally and metaphorically, that I am afforded by sailing is something I absolutely treasure.

You’ve assembled an impressive crew and have lofty ambitions. Can you tell us more?

I’m delighted that Ross, who I have previously referred to as being the

‘Indiana Jones of the sailing world,’ was there at inception, as without him this wouldn’t work. His track record is outstanding and he, Chris and Jon have known Pegasus for many years – with their racing of Pegasus being the reason she is such a regarded yacht. All of the team have achieved significant success over the years and we look forward to many years of success as a team – with our first races in 2021 having already shown some impressive results.

So, what are your future plans?

Our plan is simple: to win races and set world records. By doing so we will hopefully be able to show those with Parkinson’s that diagnosis does not mean the end of their world or stop them from enjoying active lives. Ross, Chris and Jon have been absolutely brilliant in helping me make this point, but from an entirely selfish angle we want trophies and records!

For more information please visit www.pegasus-racing.co.uk We are delighted that the Deepbridge Estate Planning Service is sponsor of Pegasus. Once we heard what Adrian, Ross, Chris and Jon wanted to do, we were immediately enthused and keen to support. Not only does Deepbridge support life sciences companies aiming to create treatments for Parkinson’s, but with a number of keen sailors amongst the Deepbridge team it seemed a natural fit.

We look forward to seeing Pegasus compete at the highest level, setting records and hopefully inspiring those with Parkinson’s.

Ian Warwick Managing Partner at Deepbridge Capital