Sir Robin Knox-Johnston enters the Artemis Challenge

by Tim Kelly on 15 Jul 2009
Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the iconic sailor who is celebrating the 40 year anniversary of his historic solo circumnavigation of the planet in the 1969 Golden Globe, has confirmed that he will compete in the Artemis Challenge at Cowes Week on August 5th.

Sailing onboard his Eco 60 Grey Power, promoting the new class of third generation Open 60s to be raced in the VELUX 5 OCEANS 2010-11, the experienced yachtsman, 70, shows no signs of letting up as he takes on a strong fleet of shorthanded skippers all hoping to claim the £10,000 charity prize for rounding the Isle of Wight in the quickest time. He will be joined onboard Grey Power by Hannah Jenner, the young British skipper hoping to compete in the next edition of The Ultimate Solo Challenge, due to start in October 2010.

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston commented, 'The Artemis Challenge at Cowes Week is a cracking event, raising money for worthy causes and celebrating Open 60 sailing in British waters. There is a very strong fleet of eight entries this year, with top sailors from Britain, France and Spain. I hope I can prove that the new Eco 60 Class in the VELUX 5 OCEANS 2010-11, open to any Open 60 launched before January 2003, is a sustainable and low cost opportunity for aspiring single-hander, whilst also being competitive and fun. I am delighted to be joined by Hannah Jenner, an exciting British sailing talent – let’s hope for great conditions and a wonderful race for the teams and public.'

Sir Robin Knox-Johnston will be competing on behalf of the Trinity Sailing Trust (www.trinitysailingtrust.org), which aims to assist the personal development of disadvantaged and disabled young people through offshore sailing on traditional vessels and at the same time restore and preserve its vessels as important examples of our maritime heritage.

The race, run by Artemis Investment Management, one of the UK’s leading investment companies, is a 50 mile high speed sprint around the Isle of Wight for Open 60s, with £10,000 donated to the charity of the winning skipper. The skippers and their teams will be joined by a number of high profile celebrities for the event, which this year will also be an ideal warm up ahead of the Rolex Fastnet Race. The race has quickly become a popular event for skippers and the general public alike, and has bred a strong competition amongst the skippers to take first prize.

Confirmed entries so far:

1. Akena Verandas: Arnaud Boissieres and Vincent Riou
2. Artemis The Profit Hunter: Simon Clay
3. Artemis Ocean Racing: Samantha Davies and Sidney Gavignet
4. Aviva: Dee Caffari
5. BT IMOCA 60: Seb Josse
6. Grey Power: Sir Robin Knox-Johnston
7. Pakea Bizkaia: Unai Basurko
8. Toe in the Water: Steve White