Spindrift Racing confirms sports programme
by Spindrift racing 7 Apr 2018 12:00 BST
Spindrift Racing © Chris Schmid / Spindrift racing
Dona Bertarelli and Yann Guichard's team has today confirmed that they are to continue their quest for the Jules Verne Trophy and will be on standby from autumn 2018 for a new attempt on the non-stop round the world record with Spindrift 2.
In addition, Guichard and his crew will once again race against some of the world's leading match racers in the 2018 World Match Racing Tour, and the team will also be seeking a fourth victory in the Bol d'Or Mirabaud aboard their black and gold catamaran, Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing. Onshore the Spindrift for Schools programme will be further developed to share with younger generations the values of sailing and sport.
Multihulls and circuits:
The maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 will, once more, be at the heart of the team's sports season. While this winter did not meet the high ambitions of the team following dismasting on the way to the start line of Jules Verne Trophy, the team remains determined to continue their campaign to achieve this coveted round the world record.
The team has made the decision to use Spindrift 2's original mast, shortened by six meters to 37.7 metres for the Route du Rhum in 2014, for their attempt at sailing the fastest lap of the planet next winter.
Meanwhile inshore, Yann Guichard will participate in the World Match Racing Tour, for the third year in a row. With a podium finish at the World Championship final in Shenzhen last year, the gold and black team is once again in the mix for the 2018 Tour, aiming for a podium at each event but in particular being ready for the final that will take place at the end of 2018.
With continued success in the Bol d'Or Mirabaud, Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing will once again be present at this legendary Swiss event in 2018, against ever stronger competition. In 2010 Dona Bertarelli was the first woman to win the event and her team continued this winning streak with the top podium position in 2014 and 2016, respectively. The 2018 edition will be a special event for the team, as if they secure their third win in five years, Spindrift will be able to keep the trophy in perpetuity. But the Bol remains a difficult race and the crew has planned a number of training sessions on Lake Geneva to hone their techniques, including taking part in the Geneva Rolle Geneva.
"This year's programme is a continuation of one we started a few years ago. Despite some challenges, our motivation remains high and we are ready to take up the fight again. For the past six years we have sailed in a range of multihulls across a number of events and have been lucky to be supported by a strong and trusted team, both at sea and on land," comments Yann Guichard.
"To accompany this new season, the Spindrift racing team is pleased to announce the arrival of Ewen Le Clech, as Boat Captain of Spindrift 2. Part of the original design and build team for the boat in 2008, he has a unique understanding of the boat making him a valuable and trusted asset. Le Clech will be taking on some of the responsibilities of Antoine Carraz who, having been with the team since its inception, is moving to new projects. We will also be saying goodbye to Stéphane Guilbaud. We are grateful for his support and professionalism during his three years with the team. And finally, to meet our new ambitions for Spindrift for Schools, Victoria Low, will now be in charge of the development of new projects and educational programmes that we will present in the near future," adds Dona Bertarelli.