Sam Davies completes The Artemis Transat

by Justine Ozoux on 27 May 2008 British female solo sailor Sam Davies, sponsored by Roxy, the leading boardriding brand for women, during the night crossed the finish line of The Artemis Transat just off Boston, USA.

She completed the single handed race aboard 60 foot racing yacht Roxy in 15 days and 10 hours. In finishing The Artemis Transat, Sam Davies has just completed her 15th transatlantic race and the sixth onboard her pink boat since being appointed skipper at the end of 2006.

From the dockside in Boston, Sam commented. 'Many aspects of the race were totally unexpected. I had fun and enjoyed some great sailing but at times got really frustrated. I guess this is what you come to expect being an offshore sailor! I feel like I have sailed a clever race and I am proud of my tactical choices, and my boat-handling. I have had such a great time and learnt more and more about Roxy. I feel totally at home onboard and I am looking forward with eagerness to the Vendee Globe....I am sad that this race is so short because I could have happily carried on sailing but I am looking forward to enjoying a nice meal, a hot bath and a soft pillow tonight!'

Like thousands of people following Sam’s progress, on the South coast of England, Sir Robin Knox Johnston has been an avid supporter of the British women and commented on her race. 'Sam has shown her real ability in The Artemis Transat. She does not have a new boat but has been keeping up as if she had. She has done her reputation no harm and others will appreciate that her dogged determination is a threat whenever she is racing.'

Just over a month ago, Sam Davies was one of six British skippers entered in the oldest solo sailing race. However, only three, Sam and fellow competitors Dee Caffari and Steve White, made it to the start line. Leaving Plymouth on 11th May amongst a French-dominated fleet of 13 boats, Sam started the race encountering problems with one of the furlers at the front of Roxy. Focussed on fixing it, she lost a few crucial hours that saw the fleet sail away and split into two distinct packs. Back on track, Roxy impressively overtook five boats in just a few hours, joining Safran at the front of the second pack.

With the fleet experiencing surprisingly gentle conditions in the first week, The Artemis Transat hasn’t lived up to its reputation of being one of the toughest races in sailing. The light winds and calms made Sam feel at her wits end as Roxy was making little progress in a massive swell. Manoeuvring in the fickle breeze and trying to find the best combination of sails from the wardrobe was hard work with the trailing competitors working on gaining precious miles.

With the sad news of the retirements of three French teams, Sam gained a few places moving up to fifth position, still ahead of powerful brand new boats such as Aviva with skipper Dee Caffari. The last 1000 miles of the race brought heavier, unstable conditions and an unexpected shock. Five days to the finish, Roxy hit a whale which damaged one of the daggerboard. She then got stuck in a wind hole, allowing two competitors to overtake her. The final battle was on for Sam who went from being the hunted to the hunter. She eventually finished the race in a commendable and well deserved fifth place.

Sam’s Davies will now spend a few days in Boston with her team, resting and getting Roxy ready for her voyage back to France. The boat will have a refit during the summer to ensure she is at her full potential for the Vendee Globe. The Vendee is one of the toughest sporting trophies in history, a solo non-stop round the world race, starting from France in November.

Sam Davies and Roxy facts about The Artemis Transat 2008:

- 15 days 10 hours, 0 minutes and 51 seconds at the average speed of 8.04 knots

- Top speed of the boat: 30 knots (35 mph)

- Average sleep per day: 4 hours, in ten 40 minutes naps

- Water onboard Roxy at the start: 54 litres

- Freeze dry meals onboard Roxy at the start: 28 (two weeks) + porridge for breakfast

- Treat onboard: 4 tablets of chocolate

- Average amount of calories consumed per day: between 3000 and 4000

- Pair of socks: 6

- Sea water bucket showers: 2

- Climb of the mast (half way to reach the broken radar): 1

- Sails onboard Roxy: 8, including a 150 kg mainsail and a 60kg Gennaker

- Total length of rope onboard Roxy: 1 kilometre

- Ships seen during the race: 10

- Wild life seen during the race: 4 whales (1 hit!) and a school of dolphins

- In April, 17 competitors were entered in the Open 60 class of The Artemis Transat, including 6 British

- 13 competitors on the start line on the 11th of May, including 3 British

To follow Roxy and Sam Davies progress: www.roxysailing.com or www.samdavies.com