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THE yacht which took the name of Bahrain around the world is going up for sale after one last challenge under the kingdom's flag, writes LIZ O'REILLY.
The Kingdom of Bahrain, Open 60 boat, skippered by record winning sailor Brian Thompson, took fifth place in its maiden round-the-world voyage in the Vendee Globe race earlier this year.
Officially named as the King Hamad, the Kingdom of Bahrain is part of Bahrain Team Pindar, a sailing team based in the UK which carries the island's flag as a gift from team boss Andrew Pindar who has long-standing connections with the island.
Now after almost 100 days at sea during the circumnavigation, the yacht is heading to Cowes Week, one of the world's best known international sailing regattas, held in the waters of the Isle of Wight, off the south coast of England.
There she will defend her title in the Artemis Challenge, which she won last year with Brian Thompson at the helm, and will then be put up for sale.
Andrew Pindar said: "It has been a challenging two years since the boat first entered the water but we're immensely proud of her and in particular how she performed during the Vendee."
And speaking of his plans to promote sailing in the kingdom, Pindar added: "Whilst the sale means a step away from the Open 60 class, the team continues to progress its 'Sail Bahrain' plans. There is a definite interest and excitement in developing a comprehensive sailing programme in Bahrain. As an island nation, Bahrain is blessed with fantastic natural sailing conditions, however it's not going to happen overnight but we have made extensive contacts in the region with people who share the 'Sail Bahrain' vision." Sail Bahrain includes the opening of a top-class sailing academy, training of Bahrain's international sailors and eventually hosting a world-class regatta in the island's waters.
