Topi Heikkinen & GAC Pindar in Istanbul Pic credit Mark Lloyd
2 October 2015, Istanbul, Turkey –GAC’s sporting and event logistics specialists faced a double challenge this week when they were called upon to handle the complex freight handling for two world class sporting events in Istanbul.
The action kicked off yesterday with the latest leg of the Extreme Sailing Series, which will see top crews racing across the water in Kadikoy Sahli harbour. It is the latest leg in the Series for which GAC Pindar is the official logistics partner around the world. In preparation for the races, GAC Pindar sent 19 containers holding vital equipment and infrastructure by road, rail and sea from St Petersburg in Russia, where the previous leg had been staged.
Today, high powered rallycross supercars will line up for the start of the latest event in the FIA World Rallycross Championship at Intercity Istanbul Park. More than 70 tons of cars, equipment and supporting infrastructure have been brought in from Toulon in France by GAC, the official logistics provider for the 2015 championship.
Mike Millar, GAC UK’s Manager – Sports & Events, says: “Having been involved with the Extreme Sailing Series for the past few years and working with World Rallycross since the beginning of this year, I have come to really appreciate the skills the sportsmen need to excel in their field. Those same high standards also apply to the GAC logistics experts charged with getting the demanding and complex task of transporting time-sensitive and valuable equipment from one venue to another.”
Having both events in Istanbul presented an opportunity to bring top sportsmen from different disciplines together, an opportunity not to be missed, according to GAC Pindar Team Principal Andrew Pindar. Finnish World Rallycross driver and runner-up in last year’s World Rallycross Championship, Toomas ‘Topi’ Heikkinen, joined the GAC Pindar crew as the ‘sixth man’ on their high speed Extreme 40 catamaran for the opening day of Extreme Sailing Series racing.
For more about GAC’s sport and events logistics services go towww.gac.com/industries/
About GAC Group
GAC is a global provider of integrated shipping, logistics and marine services. Emphasising world-class performance, a long-term approach, innovation, ethics and a strong human touch, GAC delivers a flexible and value-adding portfolio to help customers achieve their strategic goals.
Established since 1956, GAC employs over 9, 000 people in more than 300 offices worldwide.
About GAC Pindar
Launched in 2011, GAC Pindar is the go-to provider for marine sport, leisure and event logistics. GAC Pindar combines the global strength and resources of the GAC Group with the inside understanding of the yachting world, represented by the Team Pindar professional sailing team.
GAC Pindar is the official logistics provider for the Extreme Sailing Series and the Volvo Ocean Race.
GAC Pindar is also a familiar name on the international race circuit, frequently featuring in the winning line-up at premier sailing events.
