First Chilean sailor joins Velux 5 Oceans

by Tim Kelly on 20 Apr 2006 Felipe Cubillos this week signed up to enter the VELUX 5 OCEANS in a quest to become the first Chilean sailor ever to circumnavigate the world single-handed. Felipe, who adds a South American flavour to the internationally diverse field of the VELUX 5 OCEANS, is surely set to become a national hero as he undertakes this unique adventure and takes on the Ultimate Solo Challenge.

Father of four Felipe, from Santiago, started sailing at the age of seven in a Sabot called 'Chichester', named in honour of Sir Francis Chichester who famously circumnavigated the world on his own in 1967 aboard Gypsy Moth IV. Felipe then progressed onto numerous other classes such as Lightning, Laser, J-24 and oceans boats. Importantly, he was member of the Chilean Olympic and Pan-American sailing teams and skipper of a Swan 46 and 47, and is currently tactician of a new IMS 46.

Speaking from Santiago de Chile, Felipe, a lawyer and successful entrepreneur, announced, 'I am very excited to announce my entry in the VELUX 5 OCEANS and race against such a strong field of sailors. I plan to learn from them, sail fast, select the right tactics, and arrive safely at the end. I am determined to be the first Chilean to complete a single-handed around-the-world race, and cannot wait to be the first boat to fly the Chilean flag around Cape Horn in a single-handed race. It has been my lifelong dream to sail the Southern Oceans alone and I am looking forward to being on the start line in Bilbao.'

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of Clipper Ventures who organise the VELUX 5 OCEANS, added, 'We warmly welcome Felipe into this unique club of intrepid heroes. We pride ourselves on being accessible to people from all walks of life who dream of sailing around the world single-handed. This race pitches the elite solo sailors of the IMOCA circuit, such as Mike Golding and Bernard Stamm, against amateur sailors for whom this race is the ultimate challenge of their lives. However, there is no reason to believe that dedicated and determined individuals such as Felipe do not pose a threat to the winning podium. In this race, anything is possible.'

Felipe, 43, has founded a number of businesses in Chile, including a yachting marina in Southern Chile, a salmon hatchery and a business to business organisation called SeNegocia, based in Santiago. Felipe, who is still finalising agreements with sponsors and the acquisition of a suitable Open 60 yacht, plans to start formal training for the race in May.