Golding about to relaunch Ecover 3

After the frustrations of the past few months, the British yachtsman believes his project is back on track for the Vendée Globe. Mike Golding kept a close eye on his fellow competitors and analysed the performance of his future opponents in The Artemis Transat. Here’s what he had to say: "While many teams are still struggling with the new powerful IMOCA boats´ reliability, this is Loick´s second bullet in a row in the class and must put him firmly at the head of the favourites for the Vendée. It is sailors such as Loick, who inspired me to get involved in the predominantly French Open 60s and as far as I am concerned he has reaffirmed his status as one of the great all around offshore sailors."

Mike also congratulates Vincent Riou, Michel Desjoyeaux and Seb Josse on their performances in the transatlantic race and concludes, “The odds of winning any event are shorter than ever before. The Vendée Globe always represents the biggest of sailing challenges but competing against such an awesome group of sailors and boats is going to be some prospect!”

Pindar back in the water
Brian Thompson got back on board his Pindar in Portsmouth and is getting ready for his qualifying passage for the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe. With a few members of his support team, he is heading for Falmouth in order to check out the work that has been done over the past six months on the 60’ boat. After that, he is planning to head off alone out into the North Atlantic for his Vendée qualifier. A new mast has been fitted, which towers 1m50 above the other IMOCA monohulls. Protective sides have been added to the cockpit and the new sails are ready. The British yachtsman remains defiant and is hoping for a place on the podium, as according to the predictions made by Juan K, the boat’s designer, Pindar offers a huge potential.