Oceanracing 2006 - VELUX 5 Oceans

Velux 5 Oceans - Alone-Round the World Yacht Race
www.velux5oceans.com - Übersicht

Friday 8 December, 2006
KOJIRO SHiraishi CELEBRATES MAGNIFICENT RESULT IN STYLE

* Kojiro Shiraishi (JPN) relaxes in Fremantle after historic victory for Japan
* Unai Basurko (ESP) approaching Cape of Good Hope
* Graham Dalton (NZL) leads the chasing pack East and sights large iceberg

To look at Kojiro Shiraishi as he stepped off SPIRIT OF YUKOH in Fremantle last night, you would never guess that the energetic Japanese skipper had been alone at sea for 46 days, battling hurricane force winds and the icy conditions of the Southern Ocean.
The popular and friendly sailor from Yokahama was fresh-faced and full of smiles, bouncing around the dockside to greet his shore team, media, friends and well-wishers. An unsuspecting observer might have thought he had simply been on holiday given his tan, his relaxed attitude and happy persona. After arriving and enjoying a hot shower, Kojiro tucked into sake and sushi in the sailing club, comparing notes and experiences with Bernard Stamm (SUI).

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Foto: www.w-w-i.com/velux_5_oceans

The truth is that the 'Silent Assassin' has just completed an awesome leg of ocean racing. Not only does this result make sailing history for Asia as the first Japanese skipper to secure a podium finish in the 60 foot class, but it firmly establishes Kojiro as a force to be reckoned with and respected. The magnificent result is all the more spectacular given that he only took ownership of SPIRIT OF YUKOH in May (ex-Temenos I) and that this was his first competitive experience in such a large size yacht. Kojiro is also the only competitor not to have the benefit of a canting keel, technology which dramatically improves performance and efficiency.

Despite these constraints in terms of his boat, preparation time and experience in the class, the Japanese hero has proved that he has the skills and determination to succeed in the IMOCA Open 60s. Having left Bilbao at the start of the leg, Koji showed seamanship and courage to push through the huge storm that blasted the fleet and forced the majority to seek shelter and make repairs. Whilst Stamm, who always sails with the pedal to the floor, benefited from some fast weather channels and well-positioned to weather systems to blast his way to Western Australia, Koji managed to keep pace with the defending champion. To finish only three days behind the super fast Swiss skipper is a testament to Shiraishi.

Graham Dalton, the kiwi skipper aboard the Open 50 A SOUTHERN MAN - AGD is currently leading the reindexing racing pack. With just over 3800 miles to go until Fremantle, Dalton reported an iceberg sighting last night. Icebergs are extremely hazardous to solo sailors, a mark of the hostile environment which this leg of the Ultimate Solo Challenge presents to the skippers and just one of the reasons why the VELUX 5 OCEANS is one of the world's toughest sporting events.

Graham Dalton, A SOUTHERN MAN - AGD
"Just seen an ice-berg the size of a small house. It was about 3m out of the water and well rounded."

Boat Positions as at 10:20 UTC 8 December 2006
Yacht Skipper Latitude Longitude Course (°) Speed (knot) DTL (nautical miles) DTF (nautical miles) Dist - last Pos (nautical miles) Dist - 24h (nautical miles) Average speed - 24h (knots) VMG - 24h (knots)
1 Cheminées Poujoulat Bernard Stamm FINISHED
2 Spirit of Yukoh Kojiro Shiraishi FINISHED
3 A Southern Man-AGD Graham Dalton 49° 56.88 S 029° 46.92 E 100 8.1 3823 3837 32.3 237.2 9.88 49° 56.88 S
4 SAGA Insurance Sir Robin Knox-Johnston 47° 15.08 S 028° 48.92 E 108 9 3915 3917 44.9 241 9.95 47° 15.08 S
5 PAKEA Unai Basurko 35° 49.64 S 016° 02.96 E 108 8 4734 4741 37.7 187.8 6.97 35° 49.64 S
6 ECOVER Mike Golding RETIRED
7 HUGO BOSS Alex Thomson ABANDONED

- END -

About Fremantle (Western Australia)
At the mouth of the Swan River, the vibrant port town of Fremantle is located 20 minutes' drive southwest of Perth, Western Australia. Rich in heritage buildings and attractions, maritime history and culture, visitors are guaranteed to enjoy the relaxed outdoor lifestyle, some of the country's best beaches, bustling markets, nightlife, unrivalled sporting facilities and amazing marine adventures. The VELUX 5 Oceans Race Village will be at the picturesque Fremantle Sailing Club, where the race crews will be able to make use of the world class facilities used during the recent Clipper 05-06 round the world yacht race, and Whitbreads of the past.
www.westernaustralia.com