Yachtswoman Emma Richards will be competing in a new Open 60 ocean racing vessel thanks to a Tyne-Yorkshire collaboration.

International print and new media company G A Pindar and Son, of Scarborough, took advice from Newcastle solicitors Eversheds and acquired the yacht, which will be called Pindar.

Ms Richards shot to prominence when she came fourth in the gruelling Around Alone Race.

She was the only Briton, the only woman, and the youngest competitor competing single-handedly in what is the longest race for an individual in any sport. That was on another boat called Pindar - also sponsored by the company.

The boat will primarily be used for competitive ocean racing but also, between races, for corporate hospitality and promotions.

The new Pindar also took part in the Around Alone Race under the name of Hexagon, and was sailed by New Zealander Graham Dalton. She is now being shipped to England and will undergo a refit. The next contest for Ms Richards in the yacht is a double handed race from Le Havre, in France, to Salvador, in Brazil.