GAC Pindar Superyacht Services signs major marine partnership deal with Team Britannia

GAC Pindar Superyacht Services has announced that it has signed a major partnership deal with Team Britannia as its official shipping and logistics partner, as they prepare their bid to break the round-the-world powerboat record later this year.

Drawing on its local contacts and global expertise, GAC will provide the 80ft powerboat and its crew of 12 with the provisions, fuel and stores needed to complete the 23,000-mile voyage. It will also offer its first-hand industry experience to meet the specific needs of the boat during the voyage.

The agreement was signed on 21^st July 2016 by team principal, Alan Priddy and GAC’s Superyacht Services Manager, Murray Bishop at GAC’s UK marine leisure logistics and superyacht services hub in Southampton, UK. 

Racing legend Alan Priddy said, “This partnership with GAC, one of the leading and most respected global providers of shipping and logistics services, will help us smash the world powerboat record. 

“With over 90,000 people at more than 30 offices in 50 different countries, they have the capacity and experience to make sure that when we enter port, transit the Panama or Suez Canals, or load fuel and other stores, there is no delay. Every minute waiting with the engines idle is wasted time.”

The news of the partnership comes less than 100 days from the start of the world record attempt. The boat is currently under construction, and will be launched in September for two weeks of sea trials which will see her sailing around Britain, and from London to Monaco in time for the Monaco Yacht Show. After this she will depart for Gibraltar on her final sea trials, where she will be stripped of her luxury items.

After attending a weeklong nautical festival in Gibraltar, Team Britannia will then set off on their world record attempt from Europa Point on 23^rd October.

Murray Bishop commented, “Supporting Team Britannia in their world record attempt is a natural fit for us. We will draw on the GAC Group’s network, resources and expertise to support their boat along the way, providing port agency, canal transit assistance, fuel supplies, crew travel management and logistical support. We look forward to helping Team Britannia reduce their time in port wherever possible to help them in their bid to set a new record.”

To complete the challenge, the boat must pass through the Suez and Panama Canals, cross the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator. She must start and finish in the same place, and will call at Puerto Rico, Manzanillo, Honolulu, Guam, Singapore, Oman and Malta to take on fuel.

Priddy added, “The key to success is about having the right people involved. This particular challenge is as tough as they come – It has only been tried three times before and is at the pinnacle of endurance motorsport. This is why I am so pleased to have assembled a crack team, from the designers, boat builders, crew and GAC. They will all play a vital part in our success in breaking the current record, held by Kiwi Pete Bethune, just shy of 61 days.”

For more information, visit GAC Pindar Superyacht Services.