Bahrain Team Pindar sailors, Brian Thompson and Ian Williams have spent the last week in the Kingdom of Bahrain, attending both the inaugural Bahrain Boat Show International and the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

Bahrain’s first ever boat show took place from 21st - 25th April at the Amwaj Islands Marina and attracted an estimated 10,000 visitors from across the Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE. The outdoor show was opened by Sheikh Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive of the Economic Development Board and brought together a selection of exhibitors from the marine industry including a stunning collection of luxury yachts.

Brian, Ian and Bahrain’s Olympic sailor, Sami Kooheji made several visits to the show, where they met exhibitors, media and fellow sailing enthusiasts. Brian, who last week received the Order of Bahrain from His Majesty King Hamad, commented: ‘We were delighted to be here for the first ever show, which has been well attended and delivered to a very high standard. Amwaj Islands provides a perfect setting to showcase the Kingdom’s water sports conditions and there is clearly a tremendous enthusiasm for more water based activity in the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

The Boat Show was deliberately timed to coincide with the Middle East’s biggest annual sporting and social event - the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Now in its sixth year, the Bahrain International Circuit played host to record crowds of more than 93,000 people over the course of the weekend.

Brian, Ian and other members of the team, including Chairman, Andrew Pindar OBE, were invited to enjoy a world class programme of events, both on and off the track, including a VIP launch party, music acts, air displays, an exclusive tour of the Pit Lane and a chance to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in business, sport and entertainment including the Crown Prince of Bahrain His Highness Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bernie Ecclestone, Richard Branson and Eric Clapton.

On Sunday afternoon, they watched the high octane race unfold from the spectacular eight-storey Sakhir Tower, positioned within the race track, culminating in Britain’s Jenson Button claiming an incredible third victory for Brawn, from just four races this season.

Double ISAF World Match Racing Champion Ian Williams, who yesterday celebrated his 32nd birthday: “It’s been a very enjoyable few days. I’ve always been a big fan of F1, so to come to the Bahrain Grand Prix and experience it up close has been amazing. There are many parallels between motorsport and sailing, from the design and technology of the cars and boats, through to the crucial efficiency of close-knit teamwork. I’m sure there’s a lot we can learn from F1 and apply to our own campaigns.”

Bahrain Team Pindar Chairman, Andrew Pindar OBE commented: ‘The last few days have been fascinating. As we continue to progress the ‘Sail Bahrain’ vision, we have been overwhelmed by the hospitality and encouragement we have received. Being able to witness the success and excitement of the Grand Prix firsthand has convinced us more than ever of the opportunity to help build a second, water based race track, using the Kingdom’s natural resources – the wind and the sea.”