02.02.2007
A QUALITY 'OCEAN RACING' PRODUCTION…
As the Offshore Challenges Sailing Team progress the build of their new IMOCA 60, adding to the burgeoning number of new IMOCA boats, and with a packed programme of IMOCA racing ahead, including this year's Barcelona World Race and The Transat next year, the 2008 Vendée Globe could be the most extraordinary race so far, click here http://www.ocean-racing.net to read a great article about the future Vendée Globe in the new online sailing magazine Ocean Racing…
IN FULL:
The sixth edition of the only solo, non-stop race around the world, the Vendée Globe, onboard IMOCA OPEN 60 monohulls looks set to be the most exciting and competitive race in the events history so far. The new IMOCA 60 currently under construction at the Medina Yard in Cowes, Isle of Wight, for the Offshore Challenges Sailing Team will undoubtedly be on the starting line off Les Sables d'Olonne, although which lone skipper will lead this campaign has yet to be decided. Ellen, who declared her intention not to race in the 2008 Vendée Globe last year, has been part of the design and build team and will be involved in the sailing team's activities throughout the year commented: "The very first edition of the Vendée Globe in 1989/90 had 13 competitors and the last race in 2004/05 the number was up to 22 entries, the enthusiasm for the race is reaching an all-time high. The IMOCA Class is going from strength and driving the momentum we are seeing with so many new builds and new sailors coming into the class. What was once a race perceived as an adventure for 'eccentrics' is no longer the case. It is fully professional attracting big sponsors, top sailors and the attention of the media and public." And this winter many of the Vendée Globe podium contenders will be lining up in the inaugural double-handed, non-stop Barcelona World Race that starts on 11th November 2007. PRB, Temenos II, Paprec Virbac, Hugo Boss and Delta Dore are utilising this new race in preparation for the 'Everest' of solo sailing.
Taking a look at the future 2008/09 Vendée Globe competitors is the new online sailing magazine called 'Ocean Racing', the international version of the famous French sailing magazine Course Au Large. The editorial team look at the potential candidates for the next Vendée Globe and with only 27 spots available, plus three 'wild cards', entry into the next race is fully expected to be over-subscribed. With the potential of 17 brand new IMOCA 60 boats and a further four 2004 generation IMOCA boats, that can certainly be in contention on a course that demands reliability and endurance, combined with many older but no less seaworthy candidates, predicting the front runners will be no easy task. And for a race that is the domain of the French short-handed fraternity the interest from international skippers is also at an all-time high which could mean that the Vendée Globe prize could be wrested from the clutches of the French for the first time ever.
Read this article in full at http://www.ocean-racing.net http://www.ocean-racing.netand revisit those memorable photos of the Open 60s struggling in hurricane storm-force conditions at the start of the Velux 5 Oceans race. The new Ocean Racing magazine is a quality production, powered by 'nxtbook media' so viewing the magazine is as easy as if you were reading a printed magazine at home. Check it out, it's definitely worth it.
For further information on the Offshore Challenges Sailing Team, please contact:
Katie Green
E: Katie.green@ocgroup.com mailto:katie.green@ocgroup.com
T: +44 (0)870 063 0210
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