CSM second in final leg, Gutek second in the Velux 5 Oceans
by Velux 5 Oceans media 28 May 2011 15:46 BST
27 May 2011
British skipper becomes only the 182nd person to race solo around the world
British ocean racer Chris Stanmore-Major 'CSM' has crossed the finish line of the final sprint of the VELUX 5 OCEANS singlehanded round the world yacht race in second place to secure at least fourth place overall in his first solo circumnavigation of the globe.
The 33-year-old sailed his 60ft yacht Spartan into La Rochelle, France, and across the ocean sprint five finish line at 11.06am local time (0906 UTC) in second place, his best result in the race so far.
Born in Lancaster, UK Chris now calls Cowes on the Isle of Wight home and has now completed two circumnavigations in two years after skippering a crewed boat around the world just last year. The VELUX 5 OCEANS 2010-11 was his first solo attempt.
Chris completed the 3,600-mile final sprint from Charleston in South Carolina to La Rochelle in 13 days, 14 hours and 06 minutes.
Zbigniew Gutkowski finishes second overall
Man from Gdansk becomes first ever Polish skipper to successfully race solo around the world
Polish ocean racer Zbigniew 'Gutek' Gutkowski has crossed the finish line of the final sprint of the VELUX 5 OCEANS singlehanded round the world yacht race in third place, to secure second place on the overall podium in his first solo circumnavigation of the globe. He becomes the 183rd person to complete the gruelling feat and the first Pole ever to do so.
The 36-year-old sailed his 60ft yacht Operon Racing into La Rochelle, France, and across the ocean sprint five finish line at 1507 local time (1307UTC) having overcome a catalogue of disasters throughout the race including two serious injuries and major boat damage.
Born in Gdansk, Poland, father of one Gutek comes from a national dingy-racing background and has also completed one circumnavigation of the world in a crewed boat in 'The Race' in 2000. The VELUX 5 OCEANS 2010-11 was Gutek's first attempt to sail solo round the planet.
Gutek completed the 3,600-mile final sprint from Charleston in South Carolina to La Rochelle in 13 days, 18 hours and 07 minutes.