Team Pindar today announced its withdrawal from the Artemis Transat, which begins in Plymouth on May 11. Skippered by British yachtsman Brian Thompson, the team’s preparations have been severely hampered following delays in the design and build of the new mast.

Based in Gosport, the team has been working around the clock to get the Juan Kouyoumdjian designed, Open 60 ready in time. With the mast installation set back until next week, it leaves only a matter of days for Thompson to undertake the 1,000-mile qualifier and make it to Plymouth for the race start.

Chairman of the Pindar Group, Andrew Pindar commented: “As we all know, half the battle of any sailing event is to make it to the start line. We’re naturally all disappointed not to be competing in the Artemis Transat and despite the best efforts of the team, we have been let down by delays beyond our control. Rushing things now would be a mistake, there just isn’t sufficient time to do the race justice.”

Over the next few weeks the team will take time to re-evaluate all aspects of the sailing programme before committing fully to the Vendée Globe. Andrew Pindar continued: “The Artemis Transat was set to be a great opportunity for us to showcase the boat, however we’ve always been transparent about the need to secure additional funding to participate in the Vendée Globe. With this latest setback to the campaign, we are keeping all our options open.”

As yet, the boat remains unproven in competition since it was launched in July last year. Despite a dismasting during Cowes Week and again ahead of the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre, the team remain confident about its race-winning potential.

Skipper Brian Thompson commented: “She’s an unbelievable boat and we are all still very excited about seeing what she is capable of. I believe we would have stood a terrific chance of winning the Artemis Transat but for now, the focus is on getting her back in the water and securing sponsorship for the big one [the Vendée Globe].”