On the final day of the Extreme Sailing Series in Cowes yesterday, Team GAC Pindar were joined by special guest and former England football star, Viv Anderson MBE, who enjoyed a high thrill passenger ride on board the team’s Extreme 40.

The former Manchester United and Arsenal football legend, who is notable for being the first black football player to represent England in a full international match, went on to earn 30 caps for his country between 1978-1988. Speaking after his ride on board, Anderson commented, ‘I’m no sailor but what an amazing day! The chance to join world class sailors on board an Extreme 40 is a fantastic experience and we’ve really enjoyed watching the exciting racing and cheering the lads on.’

Anderson is an ambassador for Dubai-based global logistics provider ‘GAC’, who are involved with sports sponsorship across a range of sports including football, golf, motorsport and sailing. In May, independent sailing company ‘Team Pindar’ joined forces with ‘GAC’, to enter a team in this year’s European Extreme Sailing Series.

Bill Hill, Group Vice President – Commercial, GAC, who also attended the event, commented: “GAC continually strives to push the boundaries and is associated with some of the most exciting sports properties in the world.  The Extreme Sailing Series is an incredible vehicle for corporate hospitality – the feedback we have received from our guests this week, especially those who have been out on the boat, has been outstanding.”

Following six exciting days of racing in ideal sailing conditions, the Extreme Sailing Series in Cowes was won by The Wave Muscat, who topped the leader board with 249 points, followed by Ecover on 231 and Groupe Edmond de Rothschild on 225. Team GAC Pindar enjoyed an exciting finale, notching its second race win of the event, much to the delight of the supporters onshore. The team finished the event in 7th place on 170 points.

The 2010 Extreme Sailing Series began on May 27 in Sète, France. The next event will be held in Kiel (Germany) from 26 – 29 August, followed by Trapani (Italy) and Almeria (Spain).