Sailing: Edwards reveals Qatar deal

Four sailing challenges, including three new events, were announced by the yachtswoman Tracy Edwards yesterday as part of a £38m package to help promote Qatar in the run-up to the 2006 Asian Games.

In the first of a series of promotional initiatives, work will begin next week on refitting and refurbishing the catamaran Edwards is to use for an attempt on the world speed record in the Jules Verne Trophy next year.

Of the new events, in January 2005, the Qatar Sports International group plans to start, from Britain, a non-stop round-the-world race for giant multihulls, with $1m going to the winner.

There will then be a feeder race from Britain to Qatar in November 2006, to coincide with the start of the Asian Games in Doha in December that year. Doha will then host the start of a five-leg around-the-world race for giant multihulls and super-maxi monohulls over 110 feet.