The classic East Coast Regatta, Burnham Week has received another boost with the announcement of a new title sponsor for this historic 107-year-old event. Former Burnham resident, Tony Ellison, now living and working in Southend-on-Sea has pledged financial support to the regatta as it reaffirms its position as the East Coast’s premier sailing week.

Owner of commercial cleaning company, Prime Clean, Tony is no stranger to sailing and recognises that the regatta needs financial support to flourish in today’s more commercial environment. “The race week has remained at a static level in the last few years but I am confident that this year’s Prime Clean Burnham Week will see a reversal of this. As a sailor myself I want to support an event that has brought me great joy and excitement over the years. I have met with the organisers of Prime Clean Burnham Week and am enthusiastic about the way that they are approaching this year’s event.”

Tony was born in Leigh-On-Sea and moved to Burnham in 1957, where his parents Bill and Kitty Ellison owned the White Hart and started The Contented Sole. Tony’s father, a commander in the Royal Navy sailed the Americas Cup in the 1920s aboard Sovereign and as Tony says, it was his father’s influence that first led him to the water. “Living in Burnham with my father’s strong sailing background there was never any doubt that I would get afloat myself. I started as a Corinthian Otter and have continued to sail and race throughout my life. Although I hate to admit it, I’ve been racing at Burnham for 38 years and my own yacht, Prime Evil will be competing once more at this year’s Prime Clean Burnham Week.”

Fifty four year old Tony is married with 2 children and although his work has taken him away from Burnham, he retains strong links with the area as he is a member of the Burnham Sailing Club and the Royal Burnham yacht club and his sister still lives in Burnham.

His company, Prime Clean employs around 250 people.