Sea, Sail & Surf news
‘Westabout’ Solo Circumnavigation
Steve White to sail a VO70 solo around the world
"The hardest and certainly the most gruelling record in sailing"
lundi 19 juillet 2010 –
Steve White : “After the amazing experience of the 2008 Vendée Globe, it seemed like the right time to focus my attention on this record
Record
#sailingrecord
that I have been thinking about for a long time, and which fits in nicely before the next Vendée Globe in 2012. The record
Record
#sailingrecord
is acknowledged as probably the hardest and certainly the most gruelling record in sailing, and I am under no illusions about the enormity of the task in hand, both of sailing upwind and against the current in the Southern Ocean, and about the power and size of the boat we have chosen. Jean-Luc Van Den Heede is a legend and his record will be tough to beat, but I think it is achievable.”
Sir Chay Blyth CBE, BEM : “It’s wonderful that Steve is planning to attempt what many regard as the ultimate sailing challenge. Hundreds have completed the voyage following the classic Eastabout route but doing this in reverse is a quantum leap removed, which is why only 5 people including Mike Golding and Dee Caffari have tried it. It takes a special character to tackle the trip and Steve is an extremely experienced yachtsman who I believe has the right skills, tenacity and determination to set a new World record.” When asked if he would be tempted back to re-trace his footsteps Chay said, “Not a hope in hell.”
The team at White Ocean Racing are currently looking for potential sponsorship partners who are interested in aligning themselves with such an outstanding example of human endeavour, which will attract massive UK and international media interest, and capture the imagination of people from all walks of life around the globe. The rewards of title sponsorship are exceedingly high, as this is a unique and steerable opportunity.
Steve added : “I have long pondered this record since reading both Chay’s and Mike Golding’s books on their respective attempts. With a very successful Vendée Globe behind me, and a team with a wealth of experience now in place, I am confident I can do this record justice. I really am more excited about this than I have been about anything else, and I am very much looking forward to crossing the start line. I will leave between October and December this year, depending on the arrival of a suitable weather window, and how soon we attract a sponsor”.
Press info www.whiteoceanracing.com
Dans la même rubrique
Class40 : First Pogo 40S2 underwent a 180° inversion test
Barcelona World Race : Michel Desjoyeaux has chosen François Gabart
Normandy Channel Race : Ruyant - Leglatin take victory in the 1st NCR
Normandy Channel Race : Ruyant & Leglatin firsts to round Fastnet rock
