A HAMPSHIRE ocean racer has teamed up with the Kingdom of Bahrain in a new sponsorship deal.

Singlehanded sailor Brian Thompson will now display the country’s royal crest on the hull and sail of his Open 60 yacht when he competes in the forthcoming Vendée Globe race.

Thompson, part of Gosport-based Team Pindar, will set sail from Les Sables D’Olonne in France on November 9 in the 24,000-mile race.

The deal also includes sponsorship of Team Pindar's Southampton world match racing champion Ian Williams, who is currently leading the 2008 World Match Racing Tour.

Mohammed Nass, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism Marketing and Promotion Project, said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with Team Pindar which is not only represented by two of the best yachtsmen in the world today, but boasts an established track record of over 25 years experience in the sailing world.

“The association comes at an exciting time as the Kingdom looks to extend its portfolio of sporting events and attract more visitors and investors to Bahrain.”

, Andrew Pindar Chairman of the Pindar Group, added: “Over the years Pindar's sailing initiatives have played a key role in helping us to differentiate ourselves from our business competitors.

“We are thrilled to be working closely with the Kingdom of Bahrain.”