New Zealand sailor starts Barcelona World Race without skipper
by Hugo Boss Media on 4 Jan 2011
Start of the Barcelona World Race, Barcelona, Spain. Andy Meiklejohn and Wouter Verbraak crew on the IMOCA 60 Hugo Boss design by Juan Kouyoumdjian. The Barcelona World Race is the first only double-handed (two-crew) regatta around the world. This is a non-stop regatta with some outside assistance permitted, although subject to rules and penalties. Image from PitchPR SW
On Saturday, New Zealand sailor, Andy Meiklejohn, started the 90 day round the world epic Barcelona World Race with substitute skipper Wouter Verbraak on the IMOCA 60 Hugo Boss race yacht - despite the team’s entry being thrown into following Alex Thomson undergoing emergency surgery for acute appendicitis just two days before the race start.
The decision to allow Wouter to take the helm alongside Andy until Alex is declared medically fit to compete was agreed by the Race Organisation (FNOB) after consultation with independent adjudicators, the IMOCA Class and with the majority backing of the other skippers on the evening of the 30th December, just hours before the race start.
After a rainy start to the race, the skies cleared and the weather became milder, however out on the course there was still very little wind. While this was good for the spectator boats able to enjoy watching the fleet for longer, for the skippers the first hour was tactically more demanding. In the first eight miles of this 28,000 mile voyage, race places were already being exchanged.
Andy Meiklejohn said: 'It has been a tough week with Alex’s sudden illness, but having Wouter as the substitute skipper is the best possible solution to the situation. Having sailed together before we have a strong bond, which will help us overcome the initial challenge. We’re fully focused on the challenge ahead and look forward to Alex stepping on board the Hugo Boss boat as soon as he’s fit to sail.'
The first hurdle is to exit the Mediterranean as fast as possible, negotiating the variable weather systems created by the close proximity of major land masses. The skippers are expected to take this stage easy while they acclimatise to life on board together.
Stewart Hosford, Alex Thomson Racing Team Director, said: 'In light of the unforeseeable circumstances we are delighted that the team has been able to start the race as planned. We are very fortunate to have Wouter Verbaak stepping in temporarily for Alex and are very optimistic that a podium position is still achievable.'
To follow the team’s progress throughout the race visit facebook.com/AlexThomsonRacing
www.alexthomsonracing.com
twitter.com/andymeiklejohn
www.andymeiklejohn.com
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