Brian Thompson and Pindar for Vendée Globe 2008

by Vendée Globe media on 6 Dec 2007
Pindar announced at the Paris Boat Show that Brian Thompson and Pindar have pre-registered for the Vendée Globe 2008. Brian Thompson is the seventh British sailor and the 27th registration for the Vendée Globe 2008.

With 25 records under his belt, Brian Thompson (45 years old) is today one of the most experienced skippers in the world of ocean racing. A professional skipper for more than fifteen years, Brian was notably part of the crew of Playstation and Maiden II, establishing the outright 24-hour distance record. Brian Thompson’s experience in the 60’ Open Imoca class led him to skipper Skandia and Artemis Ocean Racing, but he was also Mike Golding’s co-skipper in the Transat Jacques Vabre 2003.

Brian Thompson : 'Being able to take part in the Vendée Globe is a challenge that I have wanted to take up for five years. I’m really excited to be able to compete on board one of the top 60-foot boats in the circuit, which was designed by Juan K. Our first mast had structural problems and after two dismastings, the Pindar Earthwatch team has worked all out to design and build a brand new one for Pindar.

The Vendée Globe 2008 is likely to be the most competitive round the world race in history with no fewer than sixteen new boats and some older ones that have been completely refitted. There is a lot of work to do before the start of the Vendée Globe and my first goal is to take part in the Artemis Transat. I can’t wait for the big day to start the Vendée Globe.'

Andrew Pindar, CEO of the Pindar Group : 'We’re pleased to announce today in Paris the pre-registration of Pindar and Brian for next year's Vendée Globe. After Emma Richards’s remarkable participation, (now Emma Sanderson) in Around Alone in 2003, the Vendée Globe 2008 will be the second time we have taken part in a round the world race. Once Pindar is back in the water with a new mast and rig, we will finally be able to write a new chapter in the history of single-handed round the world sailing with Brian.'

The Vendée Globe 2008/2009 is an attractive proposition. Two more skippers have just confirmed their pre-registration for the round the world race that will begin in Les Sables d’Olonne: the Austrian yachtsman, Norbert Sedlacek and the Frenchman, Jean-Baptiste Dejeanty. There will therefore be at least 27 sailors taking part in the Everest of the Seas sailing single-handed around the globe.

A first.The Austrian yachtsman, Norbert Sedlacek, 45 years old is setting out again in the hope of completing the voyage: in the last edition of the Vendée Globe, a damaged keel forced him to retire from the race. He is back to complete his dream on board the same boat that he managed to sail back and repair, showing some exceptional determination.

The young French designer-yachtsman Jean-Batiste Dejeanty, will only be 30, when he sets sail in the Vendée Globe and this is of course, his first attempt. The Norman has already taken part twice in the Transat Jacques Vabre, on board the boat he built himself.The two men may not be favourites for the great single-handed race around the planet, but they will certainly willingly accept the title of strong outsiders.

http://www.vendeeglobe.org/en