29.05.2009
http://media.pumaoceanracing.com
PUMA poised for Galway In Port Race this weekend
May 29, 2009 – Gearing up for the sixth In Port race of the Volvo Ocean
Race 2008-09, the PUMA Ocean Racing team are back out on the water today
in Galway, Ireland for the first time since their incredible leg seven
finish early on Sunday morning. The PUMA shore team have been working day
and night to fit a new rudder and make extensive repairs to the bow to get
PUMA’s il mostro back in shape for Saturday’s In Port racing. The first of
two races to be held in Galway Bay, will start at 13:00 local (12:00
GMT/08:00 EDT). Currently lying in third place overall, just 1.5 points
behind Spanish entry Telefonica Blue, the PUMA team will be vying for
precious points.
In Port racing takes place in seven Volvo Ocean Race stopover ports, with
Galway being the penultimate In Port race venue. PUMA has finished on the
podium in all but one of the five race days to date. Up to four points can
be earned on In Port race day and in total, In Port racing accounts for
20% overall race points. With light south-easterly winds and sunny
conditions forecast, the seven boat fleet will put on an amazing show for
the thousands of Irish spectators who are expected to watch these amazing
racing machines strut their stuff.
Sailing onboard il mostro for the In Port race will be PUMA’s Ocean Racing
team of Ken Read, Skipper; Andrew Cape, Navigator; Justin Ferris, Trimmer;
Craig Satterthwaite, Trimmer; Erle Williams, index; Rob Greenhalgh,
Tactician; Rob Salthouse, Pit; Casey Smith, Bowman; Frano Tregaskis, Mid
Bow; Shannon Falcone, Trimmer/Pit, Michi Mueller, Grinder and Andrew
Taylor, Grinder. Rick Deppe, PUMA’s Media Specialist will also be onboard
providing a live video stream straight from the boat, which can be viewed
at www.volvooceanrace.tv in real time on race day and live on TG4 in
Ireland.
Skipper Ken Read (USA) commented: “If the public interest and support we
saw for our arrival here on Sunday is anything to go by, this will be a
big weekend in Galway. We’re expecting great weather and if we get it, the
racing will be fast and furious. In Port racing is all about
close-quarters racing, a hand on hand battle for points. Sailing these
fast 70 foot boats over such a short course is hard work, it’s really
intense. There will be some great vantage points for the public along the
coastline here in Galway, so it should be a great spot for spectators, and
that’s what these In Port race days are all about. Sprint racing round the
buoys out there in the bay is very different to the marathon offshore legs
of the Volvo Ocean Race, so it’s a big gear change for us. As a team, we
have been on the podium for all but one of the In Port race days so far.
We have firm goals for this weekend. Realistically, we are locked in a
battle for second place with Telefonica Blue and every point counts. After
a great finish to leg seven, team morale is good and we are looking
forward to getting out racing again.”
The Volvo Ocean Race is made up of ten legs, finishing in June 2009 in St.
Petersburg, Russia. By joining the race, PUMA has entered a new premium
category and is the only Sportlifestyle company to participate in the
Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09. For more information about the race, team and
the PUMA Sailing collections, please visit www.pumaoceanracing.com
Alongside PUMA’s entry in the Volvo Ocean Race, PUMA has launched a full
range of marine clothing and apparel, from offshore sailing gear to
onshore lifestyle fashion. The PUMA Sailing Performance collection was
developed and tested by the PUMA Ocean Racing team itself, and is worn by
the team throughout the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09. The PUMA Sailing
Lifestyle collection takes inspiration from the sport.
For more information on Puma Ocean Racing, please contact:
Bridgid Murphy or Kate Fairclough - PUMA Ocean Racing
Tel: +1 978 996 5155 or +44 7827 277 517
bridgid.murphy@puma.com or kate.fairclough@puma.com
For images and footage free for editorial use please go to:
http://media.pumaoceanracing.com
|
