Brian Thompson's Team Pindar won the Artemis Challenge at Cowes Week yesterday. His Open 60, Pindar won the race comfortably, finishing five minutes ahead of second placed BT and almost 10 minutes ahead of Ecover in third place.

The 50 mile thrash around the Island played host to some challenging conditions. Team Pindar lead from the outset and completed the race in 4 hours, 13 mins, 48 secs. In addition to winning the trophy, Pindar will also donate the £10,000 prize to nominated charity Earthwatch, a leading environmental charity which funds scientists, researchers and volunteers to undertake environmental, research and education programmes.

The yachts hosted a number of celebrity guests, including Davina McCall, Alastair Campbell, Commonwealth Gold Medallist Dean Macey and England rugby star, James Haskell.



Final Results:
1st: Pindar - Brian Thompson
2nd: BT - Seb Josse
3rd: Ecover - Mike Golding
4th: Hugo Boss - Alex Thompson
5th: Aviva - Dee Caffari
6th: Artemis |Ocean Racing 1 - Simon Clay
7th: Artemis Ocean Racing II - Jonny Malbon
8th: Spirit of Weymouth - Steve White.

Image: Mark Lloyd.
Yachting Monthly, 6 August 2008