The Open 60 racing yacht, Pindar of Scarborough, is adorned with Pindars from ink to internet branding and had its official naming ceremony in Scarborough harbour last week.

We are proud to be Scarborians and there is no more fitting place to name a boat than in this glorious harbour, said Pindar chairman Andrew Pindar as he addressed a crowd of almost 500 guests including staff, customers, and local schoolchildren.

Its very important to promote ourselves printing is a very crowded house and this is a way for us to stand apart from the competition.

The boat was doused in champagne by Pindars wife Caroline, who was an enthusiastic supporter of Richards from the outset. It was also blessed by the local vicar.

Pindar has supported Richards for five years, and has just signed up for a further three. It has been estimated that the groups sponsorship has already brought the group the equivalent of 50m-worth of advertising around the globe.

Richards said she had the best team anyone could possibly ask for Im very proud and I hope we can make you all proud.

Her next challenge will be competing in the Transat Jacques Vabre race from Le Havre to Salvador, with co-skipper Mike Sanderson, a veteran of the Americas Cup. The race begins on 1 November.