Brian Thompson on Pindar 60 wins Artemis Challenge
'Pindar wins The Artemis Challenge - Skandia Cowes Week 2008'
Mark Lloyd © Click Here to view large photo
Team Pindar today won the Artemis Challenge at Skandia Cowes Week, returning to competitive sailing in spectacular style. Skippered by Vend?e Globe entrant, Brian Thompson, the Pindar Open 60 won the race comfortably, finishing five minutes ahead of second placed BT and almost 10 minutes ahead of Ecover in third place.
Now in its second year, the 2008 Artemis Challenge, attracts some of the world's leading offshore sailors, who were joined by a celebrity line up of TV and sport stars including Davina McCall, Georgie Thompson, James Haskell and Dean Macey. The 50 mile race around the Island, saw the best of the IMOCA Open 60 fleet set off from the Squadron Line at 10am.
An elated Brian Thompson said, 'It is an amazing feeling to have won our first race and vindicates all the hard work over the last year. The crew worked brilliantly together and I think they all enjoyed seeing what the boat is capable of. We got off to a great start and knew once we passed The Needles we'd be in with a good chance of lifting the trophy. Winning this race will be a huge confidence boost for the whole team as we continue to prepare for the Vend?e.'
Despite some challenging conditions during the race, including gusts of up to 20 knots, Team Pindar lead from the outset and completed the race in 4 hours, 13 mins, 48 secs. In addition to winning the coveted trophy, Pindar will also donate the ?10,000 prize fund to nominated charity Earthwatch, a leading environmental charity which funds scientists, researchers and volunteers to undertake environmental, research and education programmes.
Among the crew on board the Open 60 were former Pindar ambassador and Team Origin Director, Mike Sanderson, and injured soldiers Jono Lee and Chris Herbert, who have been taking part in a new 'Toe in the Water' sailing initiative. The scheme aims to encourage and motivate British servicemen and woman who have sustained traumatic injuries and are currently being treated at Headley Court, the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre.
Twenty-year old Chris Herbert commented: 'We can't thank Brian Thompson and Pindar enough for their support. They, alongside Microlink have not only made it financially possible for us to sail this week, but Brian has also spent time coaching us. Today was the ultimate, where we got to race alongside him at the highest level on the Pindar Open 60. It has been an unforgettable experience.'
2006 ISAF Sailor of the Year, Mike Sanderson said after the race, 'That was awesome, it was great to experience Pindar at full throttle and to see her race alongside the other Open 60's. After today there is no doubt in my mind that Brian is going to be a leading contender for the Vend?e later this year.'
Results of The Artemis Challenge at Skandia Cowes Week:
1. Pindar, Brian Thompson (GBR) finished at 14:13:48
2. BT, Seb Josse (FRA) finished at 14:18:43
3. Ecover 3, Mike Golding (GBR) finished at 14:23:08
4. Hugo Boss, Alex Thomson (GBR) finished at 14:23:54
5. Aviva, Dee Caffari (GBR) finished at 14:30:20
6. Artemis Ocean Racing I, Simon Clay (GBR) finished at 14:47:58
7. Artemis Ocean Racing II, Jonny Malbon (GBR) finished at 14:53:18
8. Spirit of Weymouth, Steve White (GBR) - TBC
by Performance PR 
Curl Curl, NSW
