Shepherd Neame Teams Up With Pub Licensee To Support Whitstable Yacht

nuse.

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has teamed up with the licensee of its Whitstable pub, The Old Neptune, to support a local yacht competing in an international race.

The Sailing Yacht Cormorant will take part in the 2026 Rolex Middle Sea Race, which starts in Malta on Saturday (October 17), becoming the first yacht from Whitstable to take part in the prestigious event.

Sponsored jointly by Shepherd Neame and The Old Neptune’s licensee Darren Wilton, the yacht will be sailed by Whitstable resident Patrick Maflin, Director and Founder of Marine Accounts, and members of his team. The Kent accountancy firm has spent the last 12 years working with crews, captains and marine professionals across the yachting industry.

Now in its 47th year, the race will start from Malta’s historic Grand Harbour, with the fleet setting off beneath the fortified walls of Valletta before racing out into the Mediterranean.

Affectionately known as ‘The Neppy’, The Old Neptune is one of the country’s most recognisable coastal pubs, thanks to its unique beachfront location. The logos of both the pub and Shepherd Neame’s Whitstable Bay range will be displayed on the yacht’s hull throughout the race.

The award-winning Whitstable Bay collection comprises Whitstable Bay Pale Ale, Whitstable Bay Lager and Whitstable Bay 0.5% Pale Ale. Inspired by the seaside town just a few miles from Shepherd Neame’s historic Faversham Brewery, the range celebrates the character and heritage of the Kent coast.

Licensee of The Old Neptune, Darren Wilton, said:

“Pat is a local at The Old Neptune, and I’ve known him for more than 20 years - we even call him Captain Pat! When he mentioned he would be showcasing Whitstable with a yacht race around Sicily, I really wanted the pub to get involved. You can’t showcase Whitstable without The Old Neptune! We hope the team do well and come back here for a celebratory drink after the race.”

Shepherd Neame Head of Brands Rose Davis said:

“We are thrilled to support the team aboard the Sailing Yacht Cormorant for this historic race. As the first yacht from Whitstable to take on the Rolex Middle Sea Race, this is a fantastic opportunity to introduce our Whitstable Bay range, The Old Neptune pub, and everything else the seaside town has to offer, to an international audience. We wish the team the best of luck!”

From Malta, the fleet heads north towards Sicily before passing through the Strait of Messina, a narrow stretch of water between Sicily and mainland Italy.

The yachts will then race around the volcanic island of Stromboli, along the northern coast of Sicily, and around the western islands of the course, before heading south past Pantelleria and Lampedusa.

The final stretch takes the boats back towards Malta and the finish line, covering approximately 606 nautical miles. The race attracts a diverse field of competitors, from some of the world’s fastest professional racing yachts to experienced amateur crews taking on a demanding offshore challenge. Conditions can include light winds, heavy seas and challenging currents, with crews spending long periods racing through the night. For some, completing the course takes several days at sea.

Patrick said:

“We started with an idea not just to sail a course, but to build a legacy. With the support of Shepherd Neame and The Old Neptune, that idea has become a reality.”

The race can be followed live on the Royal Malta Yacht Club and Rolex Middle Sea Race social media channels, with commentary in English.

Find out more here.

Categories

Jan 17, 2024

2 min read

PureHealth, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East, has announced the successful completion of its strategic acquisition of Circle Health Group, the UK’s largest independent operators of hospitals, marking a significant milestone in the company's global expansion strategy. The completion of this deal, which has achieved regulatory approvals in record time, signifies PureHealth’s exceptional operational capabilities and commitment to international growth.

The completion of this transaction further strengthens PureHealth’s commitment to becoming a leading global player in healthcare. With a vision aligned with the UAE leadership to promote wellbeing and enhance healthcare services, PureHealth is dedicated to continuously improving patient experience and adopting the most advanced clinical practices. The company’s expansion into the UK healthcare market reflects its focus on advancing the science of longevity and unlocking time for humanity.

Hamad Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of PureHealth, said:

“We are pleased to complete the acquisition of Circle in record time. This remarkable achievement epitomises PureHealth's operational excellence and strategic adaptability in broadening its international impact. After investing in Ardent Health USA, this is PureHealth’s second international acquisition and we look forward to building our portfolio internationally.”

Farhan Malik, Managing Director of PureHealth, commented: “Completing the acquisition of Circle is a strategic leap forward for PureHealth. This acquisition is more than an expansion; it's a significant stride towards establishing PureHealth as a global healthcare platform. We are not just investing in the future of healthcare; we are shaping it to be more connected, innovative, and accessible on a global scale. This move aligns with our vision of pioneering a healthier future for all and underscores our commitment to elevating the global position of Abu Dhabi in the healthcare sector and revolutionising healthcare services globally. We look forward to fostering long term partnerships within the UK’s healthcare ecosystem.”

Valued at c.USD 1.2 billion before debt, this acquisition marks a significant investment in the future of healthcare, positioning PureHealth at the forefront of international healthcare innovation and service provision.

Building upon this significant momentum, PureHealth is advancing its expansion strategy in 2024. This strategic vision includes not only acquisitions in locally, but also international markets building a global healthcare platform.

As PureHealth moves forward with its strategic global expansion, it remains committed to its mission of delivering unrivalled healthcare experiences through innovation, technology-driven solutions, and collaboration. This transaction not only enhances PureHealth's services and presence in the international healthcare landscape but also solidifies the company’s position as a leader in the healthcare industry, dedicated to improving lives and fostering healthier communities worldwide, and taking PureHealth from Abu Dhabi to the World.

n.

nuse.

Shepherd Neame Teams Up With Pub Licensee To Support Whitstable Yacht

nuse.

Most Read

Categories

Most Read

Categories

Recent Posts

Become a digital subscriber and support our publication enabling us to continue to share more news, each and every day.