The Bank of England's sailing club achieved prominence when Eddie George was governor as he is an enthusiastic helmsman. Now ABN Amro has teamed up with the Optimist Club in the Netherlands, which is for those between the ages of six and 16.

ABN Amro is also running two boats in this year's prestigious Volvo Ocean Race (originally the Whitbread Round the World Race) that starts from Vigo, Spain in November. The eight-month competition covers four continents and finishes in Gothenburg, Sweden, in July 2006.