Final stages of Pindar ocean racing competition
by Victoria Fuller, Pitch PR 10 Mar 2004 15:57 GMT
Bringing hopefuls one step closer to ocean racing dream
The semi finals of the Pindar Ocean racing competition, which received over 500 entries from all over the globe, will take place in London tomorrow bringing 20 candidates one step closer to realising their lifelong dream of becoming the next ocean racing star.
Pindar, a leading international print and electronic media company, who sponsor British yachtswomen Emma Richards and Hannah Mills launched the competition in December to add another member to its already distinguished ocean racing team. The prize on offer for the eventual winner will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to embark on an intensive three year sailing programme. They will become part of the Pindar team participating in some of the leading ocean races, sailing alongside Emma Richards learning and competing on the world stage.
The competition, which was open to anyone between the ages of 16 – 23, received entries from around the world. The short listed group of 20 flying in from America, France and all around the UK, fought off over 500 other hopefuls with their 250 word written entry which saw them gain selection to the final stages.
Throughout the day, at the Westminster Boating Base, London, candidates will undertake a number of tests and interviews in order for the panel to narrow this group down to a final 10. The last stage of the selection process is a sail day with Emma Richards in April after which a winner will be chosen.
The competition has been set up in conjunction with the RYA who will oversee the training process and the HSBC Education Trust, for whom Emma works as an ambassador.
Andrew Pindar, chairman of Pindar Plc said “Due to the high calibre of all applicants we have had a very difficult task of narrowing the entries down to 20. I think that tommorrow is going to make the next set of decisions even harder but I am confident that within this group we have an exceptional new member of the Pindar team.”
Emma Richards said “All the finalists have done exceptionally well to be selected for the final 20. It is a very nerve wracking time now, but Pindar are a fantastic sponsor and whoever wins will be lucky to have the benefit of all the support that I have had over the last four years. I can’t wait to get out on the water with the finalists and I look forward to welcoming the winner as part of the team.”