Day trip to the palace

Emma Richards picks up her MBE today

Emma Richards is to receive her MBE today. Richards sailed into the record books as the youngest person and first British woman when she completed the 29,000 mile solo round the world yacht race, Around Alone on her Open 60 Pindar, named after the international print and electronic media company of the same name who have sponsored her for the last five years. She gained international media acclaim for her talent, guts and determination as she completed this epic voyage.

Emma Richards commented “I was both surprised and delighted to have been honoured in thisway. When I started sailing I could never have imagined that I would come to Buckingham Palace and receive an MBE from the Queen, I can’t quite believe it. I have been incredibly lucky to have been able to do all that I have in my career to date but without the support from my sponsors, particularly Pindar, none of this would have been possible. The company and its employees have followed my progress around the world and have been there to support me at every stopover. I could not have asked for a better sponsor and I am looking forward to the next season of racing and my continuing association with Pindar.”

Andrew Pindar commented “Emma is an amazing person who has achieved great things. We are proud and privileged to have been able to be associated with everything she has done since we first sponsored her back in 1999. Through her ongoing success we have a fantastic ambassador who takes our brand worldwide. We are delighted that HSBC have become part of the programme and that Henri-Lloyd, Raymarine and Harken also support us. It has been an honour to watch Emma’s success and today, we are particularly proud of all she has achieved.”

Dame Mary Richardson, Chief Executive of the HSBC Education Trust said "We are so pleased that Emma's achievements have been recognised. Her MBE is fully deserved - she is a great inspiration to many people.