Mike Golding to compete in the 2015 IRC Double Handed Nationals
by Cathy Crawley 9 Jul 2015 23:00 BST
18-19 September 2015
Mike Golding is delighted to compete in the 2015 IRC Double Handed National Championships, sailing one of the Artemis Figaro yachts alongside a member of the 2015 Academy Squad. Mike is one of the world's most accomplished and successful offshore sailors having logged over 250,000 sailing miles and achieved numerous successes in some of the world's toughest and most extreme yacht racing events, including the Vendée Globe. The only British sailor to have won the IMOCA World Championship (twice), Mike is an Ambassador of the Artemis Offshore Sailing Academy based in Cowes and had considerable input into its initial development.
Mike commented, "It will be a first for me to race a Figaro II and great to sail alongside one of the talented 2015 Academy sailors, who I'm sure can 'show me the ropes'! I'm really looking forward to being involved."
The Artemis Offshore Academy plans to include the Championship in its autumn training programme. This enduring shorthanded one design class is an established elite shorthanded class in France and provides a major platform for professional sailors to progress to events like the Vendee Globe.
The 2015 IRC Double Handed National Championships take place on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th September in The Solent. Three races are planned: a laid marks course, a round the cans race and a tide neutral passage race. The race entry fee includes berthing, evening meals and celebratory events in Cowes after both days racing.
Double handed racing has grown considerably in recent years, not only because of the unique challenges this format offers, but also the camaraderie inevitably experienced at the après-race events. The Royal Southampton Yacht Club has joined forces with the Royal Ocean Racing Club, incorporating the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Cowes. In excess of 50 boats are expected to enter this, the second IRC Double Handed National Championships. The Notice of Race and further information can be found at www.dhnationals.co.uk