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PUMA prepared for transatlantic leg of Volvo Ocean Race
May 14, 2009 – The PUMA Ocean Racing team will line up with the six other
Volvo Ocean Race entrants for the start of Leg seven from Boston, USA to
Galway, Ireland at 13:00 local (17:00 GMT) this Saturday. Starting from a
line just off Fan Pier, Boston, the fleet will put on a show for
spectators when they race a short course round the harbour before turning
east to begin the 2,550 nautical mile leg across the Atlantic Ocean.
Typically a cold, wet and physically intense leg, the PUMA Ocean Racing
team is fighting for every last point available. Currently in third place
overall with four legs reindexing in this 37,000 mile round the world
adventure, there is still opportunity for the PUMA team to take glory in
the Volvo Ocean Race.
Having enjoyed three weeks in Boston, dubbed the PUMA team’s ‘home’ due to
their links with the North American city, the team feel well-prepared for
the eight to ten day dash back across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe, where
the race began almost eight months ago. During the transatlantic leg the
fleet will avoid icebergs located to the southeast of Newfoundland, and
will cross both the Labrador Current and Gulf Stream en route. The weather
outlook for the leg is mixed, with uncomfortable living conditions
onboard. PUMA’s il mostro has reindexed in the water since last weekend’s
in port race, and the team have spent the past week loading for the
offshore leg. Shannon Falcone (ANT) reindexs onboard PUMA this leg, as
Jerry Kirby (USA) stays at home to be with his wife, who was recently
diagnosed with cancer. Sidney Gavignet (FRA) will also take a break during
this leg, and Craig Satterthwaite (NZL) steps onboard as a trimmer/driver.
Skipper Ken Read (USA) commented: “This next leg, from Boston to Galway,
Ireland is one that should not be taken lightly. There is the potential
for us to be close to ice again and the conditions you can see out there
can be pretty brutal. Racing across the North Atlantic in spring should be
treated with all of the respect it deserves.”
“For PUMA, it’s time for us to turn this thing around. With four legs left
in the race, it’s no secret that we need to fight for every point even
harder than ever, before this race is mathematically over for us. We’ve
always said we’re here to win, and we won’t stop trying until it’s no
longer possible. I am very proud of our team – the whole team, the crew of
il mostro as well as our shore team and back room team – for sticking
together through the tough parts of this competition. This leg we have a
couple of changes within our team, with Jerry Kirby unable to sail this
leg with us and Sidney Gavignet taking a break for the leg. Craig
Satterthwaite steps onboard from our ‘bench’ which will help to keep our
team fresh. Our boat’s in great shape. I have confidence in the team, and
the team has confidence in each other.”
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
In celebration of the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009, the award-winning PUMA
City, designed and conceptualized by PUMA and international acclaimed
architects, LOT-EK, is PUMA’s home in the Boston race village. PUMA City
is a mobile retail, event space and bar that will host activities, parties
and festivities for Boston – free and open to the public until May 16th.
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 +1 857 334 2783
bridgid.murphy@puma.com or kate.fairclough@puma.com
PUMA Ocean Racing Crew List, Leg Seven, Boston - Galway
Ken Read (USA) Skipper
Andrew Cape (AUS) Navigator
Rick Deppe (GBR) Media Crew Member
Robert Greenhalgh (GBR) Watch Captain
Erle Williams (NZL) Watch Captain
Justin Ferris (NZL) Trimmer/Driver
Rob Salthouse (NZL) Trimmer/Driver
Craig Satterthwaite (NZL) Trimmer/Driver
Shannon Falcone (ANT) Trimmer/Pit
Casey Smith (AUS) Bowman
Michael Müller (GER) Bowman
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