World class line up for the eighth edition of the Artemis Challenge
by Artemis Challenge 26 Jun 2014 12:05 BST
7 August 2014
The IMOCA fleet start the 2013 Artemis Challenge © Lloyd Images
The big boats return to compete in the 50 mile sprint around the Isle of Wight for charity
A fleet of world class monohull racing machines, including IMOCA 60's and Volvo Ocean 65's were today confirmed for the eighth edition of the Artemis Challenge to take place on August 7th. This year the event will once again be part of Ladies Day at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week, the world's largest sailing regatta and one of the UK's biggest sporting events, and will again see some of the largest and fastest boats in the world race around the Isle of Wight to claim a £10,000 prize fund to be donated to the charity of their choice.
For the Volvo Ocean 65's it will be the first time they have lined-up against each other, making the 50 mile sprint around the Island a great racing showcase ahead of the Volvo Ocean Race, and featuring high profile British skippers Ian Walker (Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing) and Sam Davies (Team SCA). They will be joined by two IMOCA 60's who have been the backbone of the event since 2006.
The Artemis Challenge, sponsored by Artemis Investment Management, one of the UK's leading investment companies and the largest British sponsor in offshore sailing, is recognised as one of the key events of Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week. It is a magnificent spectacle, showcasing the best of offshore racing. As part of their commitment to offshore sailing, Artemis also sponsors the Artemis Offshore Academy which this year has seen eight British sailors competing in the gruelling Solitaire de Figaro which is currently en route to Les Sables d'Olonne, France. These Academy sailors follow in the footsteps of many of the top-level, professional skippers taking part in the Artemis Challenge who, on climbing the ladder to success, regularly competed in the Solitaire du Figaro themselves.
Alongside a stellar list of round the world sailors, celebrity guests will join the teams pitting themselves against the best of the best for the coveted winner's trophy and cheque for charity.
Confirmed entries so far include: (Name/Class/Skipper)
- Team SCA/Volvo Ocean 65/Sam Davies (GBR)
- Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing /Volvo Ocean 65/Ian Walker (GBR)
- Dongfeng Race Team/Volvo Ocean 65/Charles Caudrelier (FRA)
- Artemis Ocean Racing/IMOCA 60/Brian Thompson (GBR)
- Rosalba/IMOCA 60/Andy Greenwood
Further entries will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Artemis Challenge at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week has long attracted a strong list of celebrity guests. Teams competing in the race in the past have included sports stars Zara Phillips, Amy Williams, Will Greenwood, Mike Tindall and James Haskell, as well as other stars from the world of entertainment, including Davina McCall, Bryan Adams and James and Oliver Phelps, the Weasley Twins from the Harry Potter movies. Celebrity guests for the Artemis Challenge 2014 will also be announced in the coming weeks.
The race follows the classic America's Cup route around the Isle of Wight (weather permitting), starting at 10am on the Royal Yacht Squadron Line. The boats will be divided into teams, and the winning team at the end of the 50 mile sprint will win the £10,000 charity prize.
www.artemischallenge.com