Sofina Foods Europe, one of the UK’s leading food manufacturers, has funded a brand-new Vektron mainsail for CatZero’s 72-foot Challenge yacht – an essential piece of equipment that will drive the charity’s life-changing sailing programmes.
The sponsorship marks a continuation of Sofina’s support for CatZero, a Humber-based charity that has helped thousands of individuals into training, education, and employment for over 16 years.
Sofina owned seafood brand Young’s is headquartered on the iconic Grimsby Docks.
CatZero, named after the yacht’s maritime coding – Category Zero – which means she can sail anywhere with no limits, takes a unique approach to personal development. The charity combines confidence-building activities, one-to-one tailored support, and the transformative experience of sailing to guide people of all ages toward renewed confidence.
The new mainsail from Sofina is a critical component of these programmes, acting as the engine that drives the yacht and symbolising the strength and resilience that participants build throughout their journey. The Vektron mainsail is a durable, long-term investment, expected to power CatZero’s work for the next 10 years, enabling many more individuals to benefit from these experiences.
At the culmination of each programme, participants put their development into action by leading an eight-day sailing voyage aboard the Challenge yacht. The first programme using the new Sofina-funded sail has now completed, sailing to Northumberland and anchoring at the Farne Islands, where participants faced unpredictable weather conditions – a true test of their progress.
Simon Smith, vice chairman at Sofina Foods Europe, said: “We are incredibly proud to support CatZero's mission. It’s not just a sponsorship, but an enabler of real transformation in people’s lives. Funding the new mainsail reflects Sofina’s belief in empowering the community to reach their potential.”
Danny Watson, director of Sailing at CatZero, added: "The mainsail is quite literally what powers the boat - it’s essential to everything we do. Thanks to Sofina’s generosity, we can continue to offer our participants the chance to experience something extraordinary, through personal growth. With this new sail, we’re set for the next decade of delivering lasting personal change."
The sponsorship forms part of Sofina’s wider mission to give back to the communities it serves, with a strong focus on education, personal development and social impact.
