http://lamp2.ocvision.co.uk/ en Kate@performancepr.com Copyright 2010 2010-01-04T16:57:29+00:00 http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/world_champion_canoeist_anna_hemmings_awarded_mbe/ http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/world_champion_canoeist_anna_hemmings_awarded_mbe/#When:15:57:29Z Anna Hemmings, six times World Champion and Britain’s greatest ever female marathon canoeist, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in the 2010 New Year’s honours list, for her services to sport. Anna Hemmings, six times World Champion and Britain’s greatest ever female marathon canoeist, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) in the 2010 New Year’s honours list, for her services to sport. During her canoeing career, Anna, who was sponsored by print and electronic media company Pindar AlphaGraphics, for over 7 years, won a staggering 11 World and European Championship medals, nine of them gold. She also represented Great Britain in two Olympic Games, adapting from the marathon discipline to the 500m sprint. In 2009, Anna announced her retirement from the sport, following a career spanning 12 years. A thrilled Anna said, ‘To be awarded an MBE from Her Majesty the Queen is a tremendous honour and a fantastic ending to the year in which I announced my retirement from professional sport.  It is amazing to see my name alongside so many sporting greats and that my achievements in a lesser known sport have been recognised.  I can’t wait to receive the MBE from Buckingham Palace later this year.’ Anna grew up in Shepperton, Surrey and showed signs of sporting excellence at an early age. She had an active childhood pursuing a variety of sports including athletics, hockey, judo and ice skating, but it was in flatwater canoeing that she was to make her name. Based at the Elmbridge Canoe Club in Weybridge, Anna first broke into the top flight of flatwater canoeing at the age of 16, when she won the Junior World Cup. In 1997, she won her first European senior title, which she successfully defended in 1999 before going on to win her first senior World title - becoming the youngest ever competitor to do so. In the same year, Anna became the first ever British female canoeist to win both European and World titles. In 2001, she became only the second person in the history of the sport to win both the K1 (singles) and K2 (double) World Marathon titles - a remarkable feat especially given that the events were held on consecutive days over a 36km course. In 2003, following 7 years at the top of her sport and in the build up to the Athens Olympics, Anna was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and was told by doctor’s that she might never race again. After two years battling the illness, Anna was introduced by an associate at AlphaGraphics to an innovative treatment called ‘reverse therapy’, which allowed her to make an incredible return to the sport, including three further world titles. Chairman of the Pindar Group, Andrew Pindar commented, ‘We are delighted to hear of Anna’s MBE, an honour she truly deserves. Anna has enjoyed tremendous success during her canoeing career, which is not only due to her talent, but an incredible dedication and determination – key values which are recognised and reflected within the Pindar Group.” As well as pursuing a career in sports broadcasting, Anna has recently launched a company called ‘Beyond the Barriers’, dedicated to improving the health and performance of corporate employees. 2010-01-04T15:57:29+00:00 http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/2009_world_match_racing_tour_draws_to_a_close/ http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/2009_world_match_racing_tour_draws_to_a_close/#When:08:58:02Z After dominating the World Match Racing Tour for the past two years, Double World Champion Ian Williams and his Team Pindar crew had to settle for sixth place on the 2009 Tour. After dominating the World Match Racing Tour for the past two years, Double World Champion Ian Williams and his Team Pindar crew had to settle for sixth place on the 2009 Tour. Adam Minoprio (ETNZ/Black Match) was crowned World Champion at the ninth and final stage of the 2009 World Match Racing Tour, the Monsoon Cup, held in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia at the beginning of December. Williams remained in contention for a third world title throughout the season, after four top-three finishes, including second at the Korea Match Cup. He headed to the season finale in Malaysia in third place, behind Adam Minoprio and Torvar Mirsky, needing a victory at the Monsoon Cup, but unfortunately lost out in the round robin stages. Williams commented, ‘Firstly I’d like to congratulate Adam on a well-deserved result. Of course it is a disappointing final event for Team Pindar, but it has been a consistent season and we hope to return in 2010 when we will be determined to win back the world title.’ Williams finished sixth on the 2009 Tour standings: 1. Adam Minoprio (NZL) ETNZ/BlackMatch Racing 138 Points 2. Torvar Mirsky (AUS) Mirsky Racing Team 97 Points 3. Ben Ainslie, (GBR) Team Origin 95 Points 4. Peter Gilmour (AUS) YANMAR 93 Points 5. Mathieu Richard (FRA), French Match Racing Team Racing 79 Points 6. Ian Williams (GBR) Team Pindar 75 Points 7. Sebastien Col, (FRA) French Match Racing Team 55 Points 8. Damien Iehl (FRA) French Match Racing Team 48 Points 2009-12-10T08:58:02+00:00 http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/sail_bahrain_crew_return_to_uk/ http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/sail_bahrain_crew_return_to_uk/#When:14:35:38Z Four of the Sail Bahrain yachtsmen, who were detained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard for a week, returned to the UK on Friday for an emotional reunion with their families.  Four of the Sail Bahrain yachtsmen, who were detained by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard for a week, returned to the UK on Friday for an emotional reunion with their families. (Pictured from left to right) – Sam Usher, Luke Porter, Oliver Young and Olly Smith (skipper), and Team Director, Nick Crabtree, arrived into Heathrow at 7am, following a six hour flight from Dubai, before being escorted to a nearby hotel for a private reunion with their families and Sail Bahrain Chairman, Andrew Pindar. The fifth sailor on board, Bahrain Radio Sports presenter, David Bloomer, was also reunited with his family and friends in Bahrain, on Friday. 2009-12-07T14:35:38+00:00 http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/sail_bahrain_crew_arrive_safely_in_dubai1/ http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/sail_bahrain_crew_arrive_safely_in_dubai1/#When:19:49:44Z Sail Bahrain’s five British sailors arrived safely into Dubai this evening, following their week-long ordeal in the custody of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The crew were held after inadvertently venturing into Iranian waters whilst on their way to the Dubai-Muscat Offshore Sailing race last Wednesday. Sail Bahrain’s five British sailors arrived safely into Dubai this evening, following their week-long ordeal in the custody of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The crew were held after inadvertently venturing into Iranian waters whilst on their way to the Dubai-Muscat Offshore Sailing race last Wednesday. (Pictured from left to right) Sam Usher, Olly Smith (skipper), David Bloomer, Oliver Young and Luke Porter were held on the Island of Sirri, where they confirmed they had all been well treated by the Iranian Guards. News of their release came at 4am (GMT) this morning through Iran’s official IRNA news agency who confirmed the sailors ‘had entered its territory by mistake’. A rescue boat was sent to tow the Volvo 60 racing yacht back into international waters, where they were greeted by Team Director, Nick Crabtree.“It’s been a worrying seven days for everyone involved but we’re absolutely thrilled to have them back on dry land. “ he said. Picture credit: AP 2009-12-02T19:49:44+00:00 http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/december_2_2009_statement_from_andrew_pindar_obe_chairman_of_sail_bahrain/ http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/december_2_2009_statement_from_andrew_pindar_obe_chairman_of_sail_bahrain/#When:08:49:01Z We received confirmation from the Foreign Office at 0830 this morning that our sailors had been released by the Iranian authorities. We are all absolutely thrilled with the news. 09.30 Wednesday December 2, 2009 For immediate release Statement from Andrew Pindar OBE, Chairman of Sail Bahrain: We received confirmation from the Foreign Office at 0830 this morning that our sailors had been released by the Iranian authorities. We are all absolutely thrilled with the news. It has been an extremely worrying time for all of us and particularly for the families and loved ones of those on board. The team has sent out a boat to meet the crew, where our Team Director, Nick Crabtree is looking forward to accompanying them safely to shore. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Foreign Office and the British and Bahrain Embassies for all their help and for bringing the matter to a swift conclusion and to the Iranian authorities for their understanding. Sail Bahrain media contact: Performance PR T: +44 (0)20 8541 3434 E: jo@performancepr.co.uk / Dylan@performancepr.co.uk 2009-12-02T08:49:01+00:00 http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/statement_from_andrew_pindar_obe_chairman_of_sail_bahrain/ http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/statement_from_andrew_pindar_obe_chairman_of_sail_bahrain/#When:16:49:56Z “Last Wednesday, Sail Bahrain’s racing yacht set out from Bahrain to join the start of the Dubai-Muscat Offshore Race. On the way, we received a call from the crew stating that they had been stopped by an Iranian navy vessel. We understood that the crew believed they were in UAE waters, but due to a fault with the propeller, they may have inadvertently drifted into Iranian waters. For immediate release “Last Wednesday, Sail Bahrain’s racing yacht set out from Bahrain to join the start of the Dubai-Muscat Offshore Race. On the way, we received a call from the crew stating that they had been stopped by an Iranian navy vessel. We understood that the crew believed they were in UAE waters, but due to a fault with the propeller, they may have inadvertently drifted into Iranian waters. As the Foreign Office continue to liaise with the Iranian authorities, our thoughts are very much focused on the safe return of the crew and in supporting the families who await their return. The Team Pindar crew members on board are a close-knit group, who are all qualified sailors and have extensive experience on board racing yachts. Olly Smith, who was skippering the crew during the delivery has been involved with the team for many years and has over 100,000 sailing miles under his belt. Through the limited contact we have had with the crew, we are pleased to confirm that they appear to be in good spirits and have confirmed that they are being well looked after. Sail Bahrain’s Team Director, Nick Crabtree is on the ground in Dubai and is set to handle any logistics involved with their release. In the meantime, I will be staying in the UK and remain in close contact with the Foreign Office, as they seek to resolve the matter as soon as possible. Finally, on behalf of the team, I would like to extend our thanks and appreciation for the support we have received from well wishers throughout the sailing fraternity, the world over.” For the latest information from the Foreign Office, please visit: http://www.fco.gov.uk/news or contact the FCO press office: +44(0) 20 7008 3100 Sail Bahrain media contact: Performance PR T: +44 (0)20 8541 3434 E: jo@performancepr.co.uk / Dylan@performancepr.co.uk 2009-12-01T16:49:56+00:00 http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/sail_bahrain_chairman_to_issue_statement_outside_pindar_head_office_this_ev/ http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/sail_bahrain_chairman_to_issue_statement_outside_pindar_head_office_this_ev/#When:16:01:13Z  Sail Bahrain Chairman to issue statement  Sail Bahrain Chairman to issue statement regarding yachtsmen held by Iranians --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Who?              Andrew Pindar OBE, Chairman Sail Bahrain  When?            Tuesday December 1, 2009 17.30  Where?           Pindar House, Thornburgh Road, Eastfield, Scarborough, YO11 3UY --------------------------------------------------------------------------------  Sail Bahrain Press contact - Performance PR  T: +44 (0)20 8541 3434  E: jo@performancepr.co.uk / dylan@performancepr.co.uk  For the latest information from the Foreign Office, please visit: www.fco.gov.uk/news  or contact the FCO press office: +44(0) 20 7008 3100  2009-12-01T16:01:13+00:00 http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/sail_bahrain_statement/ http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/sail_bahrain_statement/#When:18:46:51Z On 25 November, Sail Bahrain’s Kingdom of Bahrain Volvo 60 racing yacht was stopped by Iranian navy vessels, as it was making its way from Bahrain to the start of the Dubai-Muscat Offshore Sailing Race. The boat may have strayed inadvertently into Iranian waters. On 25 November, Sail Bahrain’s Kingdom of Bahrain Volvo 60 racing yacht was stopped by Iranian navy vessels, as it was making its way from Bahrain to the start of the Dubai-Muscat Offshore Sailing Race. The boat may have strayed inadvertently into Iranian waters. The five crew members, all British nationals, are still in Iran. All are understood to be safe and well and their families have been informed. The Foreign Secretary said in response: “FCO officials immediately contacted the Iranian authorities in London and in Tehran on the evening of 25 November, both to seek clarification and to try and resolve the matter swiftly. Our Ambassador in Tehran has raised the issue with the Iranian Foreign Ministry and we have discussed the matter with the Iranian Embassy in London. I hope this issue will soon be resolved. We will remain in close touch with the Iranian authorities, as well as the families.” More information will be posted on as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, please visit: http://www.fco.gov.uk/news. or contact: FCO press office: 020 7008 3100 2009-11-30T18:46:51+00:00 http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/kingdom_of_bahrain_to_compete_in_dubaimuscat_yacht_race/ http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/kingdom_of_bahrain_to_compete_in_dubaimuscat_yacht_race/#When:11:34:40Z Members of Sail Bahrain are due to arrive in Dubai on November 26 on board the Kingdom of Bahrain race yacht, to join the start line of the Dubai-Muscat Offshore Sailing Race, which begins tomorrow. The event marks the first offshore race for the Volvo 60 racing yacht, under the ‘Sail Bahrain’ banner, following its official launch, at Amwaj Island last week. Members of Sail Bahrain are due to arrive in Dubai on November 26 on board the Kingdom of Bahrain race yacht, to join the start line of the Dubai-Muscat Offshore Sailing Race, which begins tomorrow. The event marks the first offshore race for the Volvo 60 racing yacht, under the ‘Sail Bahrain’ banner, following its official launch, at Amwaj Island last week. The 360 nautical mile race, which first took place in 1992, will begin at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club. The fleet will pass through the shallows of the Arabian Gulf , into the deep waters of the Indian Ocean via the Straits of Hormuz, before arriving into the Oman Capital of Muscat, at the Bandar Al-Rawdah Marina. This year’s event has attracted significantly higher entrants than previous years, demonstrating the recent surge in sailing interest throughout the region.  Entrants include a diverse range of boat designs and sailors of all abilities, who will compete under the IRC handicap rules. The Kingdom of Bahrain Volvo 60 is set to compete in the monohull class, whilst line honours are expected to go to race favourite ‘Majan’ - a 100-foot trimaran, capable of speed of over 30 knots. Skippering the Kingdom of Bahrain entry is experienced offshore sailor and Team Director of Sail Bahrain, Nick Crabtree who, along with members of his shore crew, will be joined by Bahrain’s national sailing hero, Sami Kooheji and Captain Peter Gronberg, Managing Director of GAC, one of the largest shipping companies in the region and logistics partner to Sail Bahrain. Also among the nine-strong crew, are two members of Oman Sail, who as part of the ongoing relationship between Sail Bahrain and Oman Sail, will use the race as a platform to share knowledge with the crew and gain valuable offshore monohull racing experience.  Bahrain Radio presenter, David Bloomer completes the crew and hopes to provide regular, on board broadcast updates throughout the race. Sail Bahrain Team Director, Nick Crabtree commented: “Following the success of last week’s launch of Sail Bahrain, we’re delighted to be competing in our first offshore race. The reaction we have received so far has been incredible. I believe seeing the boats in the water carrying the Bahrain crest, has instilled a great deal of local pride and support and we are looking forward to flying the flag for Bahrain throughout the Gulf. ” Historically, the race has known some variable weather conditions. The Shamals, which can arrive in late November, could throw up some strong winds, sand and even thunder storms, whilst with daytime temperatures soaring over 30˚C, followed by a dramatic fall in temperature at night, land breezes may also form. Crabtree continued “Depending on the conditions, the race should take about 2 days, so we’ll be working a watch system to get the most out of the guys and the boat. If the winds are strong, we should do well, in the first of what we hope will be many events in the region.” The 2009 Dubai–Muscat race is scheduled to start at midday on Thursday 26 November.  All yachts will be fitted with satellite trackers, providing regular position updates via the race website: http://www.dosc.ae 2009-11-25T11:34:40+00:00 http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/team_pindar_launch_sail_bahrain/ http://www.teampindar.com/ian/en/news/article/team_pindar_launch_sail_bahrain/#When:17:15:00Z Andrew Pindar OBE and Team Pindar—one of the world’s leading independent sailing teams, launched the first phase of the Sail Bahrain project at Amwaj Marina, today.  Andrew Pindar along with HE Shaikh Daij bin Salman bin Daij Al Khalifa, Chairman of the General Organisation of Sea Ports, officially welcomed the arrival of the two spectacular 60 foot Volvo ocean-racing yachts with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Team Pindar Launch Sail Bahrain Team Pindar launch first phase sailing initiative in Kingdom Andrew Pindar OBE and Team Pindar—one of the world’s leading independent sailing teams, launched the first phase of the Sail Bahrain project at Amwaj Marina, today.  Andrew Pindar along with HE Shaikh Daij bin Salman bin Daij Al Khalifa, Chairman of the General Organisation of Sea Ports, officially welcomed the arrival of the two spectacular 60 foot Volvo ocean-racing yachts with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Volvo 60’s rank among the elite in yacht racing, having gained fame after each circumnavigating the world and their arrival marks the initial phase of the Sail Bahrain project.  Operated by Team Pindar and offering unique sailing experiences, in Bahrain and throughout the Gulf, both Volvo 60s are available for training, corporate hospitality, team-building and yacht charter initiatives. The main objectives of Sail Bahrain are to work with the BMSA on developing a best-in-class sailing and water sports academy; bring major international sailing and water sports events to Bahrain on a regular basis and create training and educational programmes targeted at young people from across society. Sail Bahrain aims to work with schools, polytechnics and universities to ensure that the right courses and teachers are in place and qualifications gained.  HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board commented: “We are delighted to welcome the launch of Sail Bahrain and two of its magnificent 60 foot yachts to our Amwaj Marina.  Bahrain’s 5000 year history and culture has always been closely linked to the sea and that tradition is very much alive today with the new Khalifa bin Salman Port and the growth of our maritime tourism infrastructure. “Sail Bahrain will create a training school for young Bahrainis to help develop our sailing champions of the future, be it Olympians or round-the-world adventurers.  Initiatives like Sail Bahrain nurture sporting heroes for the future and so create role models who can inspire every Bahraini to be proud of our nation’s achievements. We wish Sail Bahrain every success in becoming a world-class centre of excellence, enhancing the Kingdom’s ability to host world class sailing events, building on the success of Andrew Pindar and his team and of course Bahrain’s own sailing Olympian Sami Kooheji. Good luck everyone.” The brainchild of Andrew Pindar, the Sail Bahrain project has been in development for well over a year and with the arrival of the highly visible and exciting Volvo 60’s the project is now a reality. Based in Amwaj Marina at Amwaj Islands, the boats are a platform for the Sail Bahrain project whilst offering bespoke marketing opportunities at key locations throughout the Gulf. Chairman of the Pindar Group and founder of Sail Bahrain, Andrew Pindar OBE DL said: “We are delighted to launch Sail Bahrain and welcome the arrival of the Volvo 60’s as the first stage in the Sail Bahrain project.  The Kingdom of Bahrain has a rich maritime history and is a great country which is blessed with perfect sailing conditions.  Sail Bahrain aims to create a new and exciting future for sailing and water sports in the Kingdom which will create many jobs and opportunities for the people of Bahrain. Having the Volvo 60’s here is the first step, with future plans including an intention to develop an iconic yacht club along with a youth education programme giving Bahrainis the chance to compete on the global sailing stage.” The two Volvo 60s, which weigh in at 30 gross tons, left Southampton in the UK on 27 September and arrived at Amwaj Marina, Bahrain earlier this week. A team of experts from Team Pindar’s logistical partner GAC — the world’s leading provider of shipping, logistics and marine services – handled their journey from start to finish. Captain Peter Gronberg, Managing Director, GAC Bahrain stated:  “We are very proud to be involved and associated with the Sail Bahrain initiative.  As the first phase of Sail Bahrain the two Volvo 60 racing yachts give locals and visitors alike a unique opportunity to get a taste of the very best of ocean racing.  The Sail Bahrain project is extremely exciting and offers so much more than bringing these spectacular boats in the Kingdom. Here at GAC we are delighted to be involved in this exciting project which offers sailing and education as well as the chance for Bahrainis to engage from beginner level through to developing world championship sailing skills.” The dynamic experience of being part of the Team Pindar crew and sailing on one of these incredible boats is available to individuals and corporate companies alike.  Team Pindar Director, Nick Crabtree explains: “What we’re offering in the first phase of Sail Bahrain is tailor made experiences that are not available anywhere else in the Gulf.  The opportunity to helm and sail on the Formula 1 of offshore sailing vessels will truly be the experience of a lifetime.  We have a full professional crew with exceptional international sailing experience and thousands of ocean miles under their belts.  At Team Pindar we pride ourselves on operating at the very pinnacle of the sport whether that is in competing at the highest levels or through our bespoke sailing services. Sailing on one of our yachts whether it is with your colleagues, friends or as part of our crew, we guarantee you a memorable voyage.” Bahrain offers perfect conditions for sailing and with the 60,000 sqm circular marina at Amwaj Islands in the idyllic location situated in the azure waters of the west coast of Al Fanar Resort, the Volvo 60’s are ideally placed to enjoy Bahrain’s natural beauty. On hosting the boats at Amwaj Marina, Managing Director Jameel Almatrook commented: “We are proud to support Team Pindar and the Sail Bahrain project. Having the Volvo 60’s here adds to the glamour here at the Amwaj Marina, Amwaj Islands.  We share the vision and passion of the Sail Bahrain initiative and wish Team Pindar and the project every success.” For further information on marketing opportunities and corporate use, please contact Team Pindar Director, Nick Crabtree—n.crabtree@teampindar.co.uk 2009-11-19T17:15:00+00:00