Solo Basse Normandie - Artemis Offshore Academy's double podium finish

by Camilla Green on 24 May 2011 Solo Basse Normandie has resulted in Artemis Offshore Academy securing a double podium finish, with Phil Sharp and Sam Goodchild taking first and second place respectively.

'It was an action packed race with lots of drama and it’s fantastic to finish in first place with Sam in second,' said Phil at the finish. 'It’s a great result for the Artemis Offshore Academy.'

Four British sailors started the race as Phil and Sam were joined on the course by fellow Development Squad Member Nigel King, sailing E Line Orthodontics, and Artemis Offshore Academy Associate Member Conrad Humphreys, sailing DMS. Nigel finished in 12th place (just 90 minutes after the leader) whilst Conrad Humphreys unfortunately had to retire due to auto pilot problems. 'We are really delighted with these results and thrilled for the guys,' said John Thorn, Performance Director at the Artemis Offshore Academy.

'They have worked hard over the winter and these results are an early sign that the training is reaping rewards, We have a strong foundation on which to build now as we move on through the rest of the season.'

The 225 mile Solo Basse Normandie started from Granville on Friday (May 20th) in 8-10 knots of north-westerly breeze. The 17 strong fleet had a challenging 40-hour coastal racecourse that featured strong tidal currents, changing wind conditions and tricky coast line which included navigating round the island of Jersey, home to Phil Sharp:

'It was a real eye opener to see the power of the tidal currents and you have to have to real respect for these waters to have a successful race.'

The start of the race saw Sam Goodchild lead around the first windward mark closely followed by the rest of the fleet.

'It was close and exciting racing at its best, and some brilliant close quarter maneuvering that fully crewed boats would have been proud of let alone solo sailors!' explained John Thorn.

First place in the Solo Basse Normandie saw Phil Sharp receive a paid entry into this year’s Solitaire du Figaro worth €2,000 and a handheld VHF.

For Phil and Sam this was their second qualification race for the Solitaire du Figaro and they are both now qualified to race. Second-paced Sam’s prize was an emergency Man Overboard Buoy – hopefully, something he will never need!

There is no rest for the Figaro sailors with the UK Figaro Beneteau 2 National Championships hosted by the 2012 Olympic sailing venue, The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, starting today at 17:30 local time for the first leg from Cherbourg to Portland, UK. There will then be two days of inshore and coastal racing in Weymouth for the seven French and English teams entered.

Artemis Offshore Academy website