Voisins joins the Energy Challenge ahead of Transat Quebec – St Malo

by Phil Sharp Racing on 1 Jul 2016 Phil Sharp Racing is delighted to welcome Voisins Department Store on board as an official partner to the Energy Challenge, ahead of the next big event of the Class 40 calendar, the Transat Quebec-St Malo (Transat QSM). Voisins will be supporting the project alongside fellow Jersey companies Asset Leverage Consultants, Hotel de France, Carey Olsen, and Jersey Marinas, in this unique technology and offshore sporting endeavour.

Voisins Chairman Gerald Voisin said: 'As a Jersey business, Voisins is very excited to be supporting Phil's Energy Challenge and playing our small part in raising the profile not only of Phil, but also Jersey, putting us on the global stage and reinforcing the island’s strong sailing and maritime heritage.'

Phil added: 'It's fantastic to have the support of Voisins, the oldest family-run department store in Britain, who are very interested in helping us achieve our winning and technological objectives. With our project based in Jersey, it's great to have a partnership with such a strong island brand, but importantly one that is looking to grow internationally and make an impact overseas.'

Voisins' first journey as partner will be the return transatlantic starting on Sunday 10th July, where Imerys will be raced back across 3,000nm of ocean to Europe in the Transat QSM. As the oldest west to east, non-stop, trans-Atlantic race, the Transat QSM has taken place every four years since 1984, where crews sail far north through the most severe weather systems of the Atlantic.

Before entering the Atlantic, crews must first negotiate the many challenges of the St. Lawrence River, amounting to 376nm of hazards as they sail through strong currents, tides, and sandbanks. Once released into the North Atlantic their next challenge will be to avoid icebergs and capitalise on weather systems to push them into the English Channel where dense maritime traffic and strong currents await.

Phil has teamed up with long-time rival Adrien Hardy, and experienced Mini sailor Milan Kolacek for the race, Phil comments: 'Having just completed the solo Transat, I'm really looking forward to racing in a small team and having the time to focus more on tactics and strategy rather than spend the whole time fixing the boat!

'Our main objectives for the race are to enjoy it and to finish on the podium. All three of us are highly competitive by nature, and I'm sure we will be pushing each other as well as ourselves to ensure we make the most of every opportunity.'

The Transat Québec - St Malo starts on the 10th of July at 13:00 local time.