Team Pindar today announced a new partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain, exactly one month before record-breaking skipper, Brian Thompson, sets sail in the non-stop solo round the world yacht race, the Vendée Globe.

The partnership will feature the Kingdom of Bahrain royal crest prominently on Team Pindar’s state-of-the-art Open 60. The deal also includes sponsorship of Team Pindar’s World Match Racing Champion, Ian Williams, who is currently leading the 2008 World Match Racing Tour.

As one of the world’s leading independent sailing teams, Team Pindar’s dual sailing programme offers a global platform to promote Bahrain as a leading business centre and tourist destination.

Mohammed Nass, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism Marketing and Promotion Project said: ‘We are delighted to announce our partnership with Team Pindar which is not only represented by two of the best yachtsmen in the world today, but boasts an established track record of over 25 years experience in the sailing world. The association comes at an exciting time as the Kingdom looks to extend its portfolio of sporting events and attract more visitors and investors to Bahrain.’

Bahrain is experiencing an economic boom and over 4.5 million people visited the country in 2007. According to a recent survey it is the fastest growing economy in the Arab world. Comprising 33 islands, it has a rich cultural history and has recently attracted some of the world’s top sporting events, including the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.