A unique IWC Schaffhausen sailing watch worn by British sailor Ian Walker during the current Volvo Ocean Race is to be auctioned in aid of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.
The Portuguese Yacht Club Chronograph ‘Ocean Racer’ watch has gone round the world on Walker’s wrist in his capacity as skipper for Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing. The winning bidder will also spend two nights in Gothenburg, Sweden, get a chance to watch the In Port Race and take part in a race on board Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s yacht Azzam.
The watch itself is inspired by the precise nautical instruments used by the first seafaring explorers and features a silver-plated case with blue hands and indices and a leather strap; it is worth around £10,000. Bidding for the lot, which is being hosted by online auction site CharityStars, begins at £7,500 and it is hoped this unique prize will raise a great deal of money for Laureus, of which both Walker and IWC Schaffhausen are strong supporters.
As if that wasn’t enough, this timely lot could also offer the winner the chance to own a piece of sailing history. Walker is currently eight points clear in the Volvo Ocean Race and tantalisingly close to the finishing line – which could make him the first British skipper to win the overall title.
Bidding for the watch will end on 23 June 2015 at BST 1600, to place your bid visit charitystars.com