Team Pindar partnership with Kingdom of Bahrain

by Kate Brewer on 10 Oct 2008
Team Pindar today announced a new partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain, exactly one month before record-breaking skipper, Brian Thompson, sets sail in the non-stop solo round the world yacht race, the Vendée Globe, on November 9.

The partnership, which has been granted approval from the Bahrain Tourism Authority, will feature the Kingdom of Bahrain royal crest prominently on Team Pindar's state-of-the-art Open 60. The deal also includes sponsorship of Team Pindar's World Match Racing Champion, Ian Williams, who is currently leading the 2008 World Match Racing Tour, as he strives for a second consecutive world crown.

As one of the world's leading independent sailing teams, Team Pindar's dual sailing programme offers a global platform to promote Bahrain as a leading business centre and tourist destination.

Mohammed Nass, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism Marketing and Promotion Project said: 'We are delighted to announce our partnership with Team Pindar which is not only represented by two of the best yachtsmen in the world today, but boasts an established track record of over 25 years experience in the sailing world. The association comes at an exciting time as the Kingdom looks to extend its portfolio of sporting events and attract more visitors and investors to Bahrain.'

Bahrain is experiencing an economic boom and over 4.5 million people visited the country in 2007. According to a recent survey by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, it is the fastest growing economy in the Arab world. Comprising 33 islands, it has a rich cultural history and has recently attracted some of the world's top sporting events, including the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

Pindar's sailing pedigree dates back to 1980 when the Scarborough based print and electronic media company sponsored The North Sea Race. Since then Team Pindar has become synonymous with supporting individual sailors and sailing campaigns across all levels - from match racing and dinghy world champions, record breaking global ocean racing campaigns, through to CSR, education and community based sailing projects.

Chairman of the Pindar Group, Andrew Pindar commented: 'Over the years Pindar's sailing initiatives have played a key role in helping us to differentiate ourselves from our business competitors. We are thrilled to be working closely with the Kingdom of Bahrain, as it too looks to identify exciting new ways to set itself apart from other countries within the GCC.'

The Vendée Globe begins in Les Sable d'Olonne, France on 9 November. Brian Thompson will join a record entry of 30 skippers, in his bid to become the first winner, outside of France, to lift the most coveted trophy in solo offshore sailing.