GAC Pindar moves into powerboating with OPGP deal

Marine and sports leisure logistics firm GAC Pindar has made its first foray into global offshore powerboating by agreeing a three-year deal with the new Offshore Powerboat Grand Prix Series.

Under the deal, GAC Pindar will coordinate the complex logistics of equipment and infrastructure for five races held every year in Florida, USA, under the OPGP banner, including the renowned Sarasota Suncoast Offshore Grand Prix race.

The company will also coordinate the logistics, including transportation of at least 12 team boats from the USA, for the Qatar Cup on February 6-8. The 2015 edition of the yearly showcase event, in association with the Qatar Marine Sports Federation, will include one day of qualifying heats followed by two days of racing. Up to 25 offshore racing teams are expected to take part.

GAC Pindar has previously provided logistics support for a range of prestigious inshore and offshore sailing competitions including the Extreme Sailing Series and the Volvo Ocean Race, which set off on its nine-month circumnavigation of the world from Spain last month.

Dominic Watson, GAC Pindar’s operations manager for seafreight, said: “The addition of such a prestigious powerboat race series to our portfolio brings an exciting challenge for our team of experts. Their passion and commitment match that of the drivers and teams who will compete, and we look forward to playing our part in what will be an incredible series.”