Doha 2006 has won the Oryx Quest 2005 the non-stop round the world yacht race which commenced and finished in Qatar last week.

Skipper Brian Thompson picked up a $1 million prize fund, reportedly the biggest in yachting history.

Despite a last minute injury where he was hit full in the face by the gennaker while doing a gybing manoeuvre, Thompson was thrilled with the crew's victory.

The 63-day Oryx Quest 2005 had been packed with incident and danger from the start with only Doha 2006 and Daedalus of the four Maxi multihull boats which set off on February, 5, completing the race.

"It's so good to be back," said Thompson.

"We are delighted and proud to win the Oryx Quest 2005. It is a fantastic achievement and an incredible feeling for all of us.

"This is a proud day for Doha and for each of the crew of Doha 2006," stated Shaikh Hassan Bin Jaber Al Thani, President of the Qatar Marine Sports Federation [QMSF] who partnered Tracy Edwards' Quest International Sports (Quest) in facilitating Oryx Quest 2005.

Daedalus, skippered by Tony Bullimore, is likely to cross the finish line in another five days time and secure second place.

The smallest boat in the race, Daedalus will receive $300,000 (Dh110,1000) for the runners-up spot.

The prize money will be presented along with the Oryx Quest Trophy and the Qatar Foundation Award for Courage at the official prize-giving ceremony to be held in Qatar on May 17 at which the skippers and their crews will receive their trophies and prize money from a senior member of the Royal Family.

It is also expected that the organisers will use this occasion to launch the next sailing event in the Quest calendar to be held in 2007.

"We have a lot to feel proud of," said Tracy Edwards.

"One of the most satisfying this is to bring the great sport of sailing to the Middle East for the first time. So much has been achieved in this race, but the really good thing is that we get to do it over again, only bigger and better."

Thompson and his crew took some extremely astute decisions which made light work of the Southern Pacific, the most dangerous ocean in the world, and set a new world record in the process.

Doha 2006 reached the famous Amundsen Gate in only 14 days, 22 hours and 16 minutes.

Almost exactly two months after she left, Doha 2006 crossed the finishing line in Qatar 1,700 miles and approximately five days ahead of her nearest rival.

By any measure this is an outstanding feat of achievement and is a clear tribute to the skill and seamanship of each of her crew-members.

"Brian and his crew have established themselves as clear champions and there can be no doubt that they have earned their place in history as a result of this great achievement," added Shaikh Hassan.

"Sailing - one of the official sports of Doha 2006 Asian Games - is renowned for being a collaborative effort of humans and nature," noted Abdullah Al Qahtani, Director General of the Doha Asian Games Organising Committee.

Brian Thompson, skipper of the victorious Doha 2006, stated: "We have now set a respectable bench mark for the second Sea Quest race. It will now be up to the crews in 2007 to try and beat this time I can't wait for the race to start."