To race around the world alone non-stop is pretty special and those that succeed enter an elite club. But when it comes to lapping the planet against the prevailing winds and currents, non-stop and alone the list stops way short of double figures.
My guest on the latest edition of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast is Sébastien Sainson – design director of the French Gitana Team, which recently launched its latest generation Maxi Edmond de Rothschild Ultim trimaran – Gitana 18.
How Sevenstar Yacht Transport turns fierce rivals into temporary neighbours. The toughest part of any major offshore race isn’t always the start. Often, it’s simply getting there.
Doyle Sails has been a key supplier to the SailGP circuit since its inception. With the award of a new five-year contract, the success story continues.
France’s dominance of singlehanded offshore racing can be traced back to one event: the proving ground known as La Solitaire du Figaro. Check the list of Vendée Globe winners and you will struggle to find one that did not establish their singlehanded racing credentials with a win in ‘the Figaro’.
With a new title sponsor and a slew of new talent on the sailing team, the French America’s Cup campaigners are looking to shake off their mantle of plucky underdogs, and have set their sights on going the distance in the Challenger selection series at the 38th America’s Cup.
Two big launches at opposite ends of the world. On top, the 32m Ultim trimaran Gitana 18 headed out from her base in Lorient on the west coast of France for her maiden sail. Down under the Kiwis slipped their dock lines in Auckland to take their newly reconfigured AC75 out for its first sail.
First outings for Gitana Edmond de Rothschild and Emirates Team New Zealand; Podcast: James Pleasance - World Match Racing Tour; Making sense of Grand Prix sailing’s fragmented landscape
Sailing’s Olympic classes, SailGP, the America’s Cup and the Vendée Globe, all showcase our sport at its highest level. But they rarely interconnect. Is sailing missing a chance to dramatically grow its audience by failing to align its biggest competitions?
On the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast I'm joined by James Pleasance – executive director of the World Match Racing Tour, as we discuss the history, evolution, and future of one of sailing's most iconic competitions.
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