Global Ocean Race 2012-13 - Celox Sailing's double handed entry

by Oliver Dewar on 24 Sep 2011 Global Ocean Race (GOR) - At an informal ceremony on Thursday in the Palma Race Village of the double-handed Class40 GOR 2011-12, Austria’s Celox Sailing company announced the first double-handed entry in the next edition of the race, the Global Ocean Race 2013-14 (GOR 2013-14) with Celox Sailing’s new Akilaria RC2 Gust Buster.

With three days remaining until the start of the GOR in Palma, Mallorca, teams are already reserving places on the start line for the new Solo-Double GOR 2013-14 and Celox Sailing are keen to start their campaign early. Gust Buster and the company’s Celox Racing division can confirm that their entry will be double-handed and the team may use the ‘Team Entry’ option allowing one crewmember to swap at stopovers. Gottfried Pöessl, head of Celox Sailing explains the choice: 'There are plenty of sailors who want to race in the GOR 2013-14 and we want to be part of the game,' says Pöessl. 'When we start training in Palma, we’ll get a better idea of our options and which format suits the team most.'

Later the same day at the GOR Gala Dinner in the Race Village, Celox Sailing announced that the company was joining the GOR 2011-12 as Race Sponsor. Peter Farbowski, Managing Director of Celox Sailing explains the decision: 'Celox Sailing is very happy to join the GOR 2011-12 as a sponsor partner,' says Farbowski. 'The GOR is an outstanding double-handed race format and the team around Josh Hall does a great job,' he continues. For Pöessl and Farbowski, their company’s involvement is far more than a ‘flags, banners and logo stickers approach: 'Celox Sailing is currently working on the concept of offering to service and repair the GOR fleet’s sails at all stopovers to enhance the safety and performance of the participants and their boats,' Farbowski adds.

Formed in November 2010 and officially launched at the Austrian Boat Show, Celox Sailing is already established as a driving force in Austria: 'We’re a young company and we aim to be the best commercial option in Austria for all aspects of sailing,' Poessl confirms. Celox Sailing combines five, inter-linked divisions ranging from an academy teaching sailing skills, including a pool of sailors for highly competitive racing; a servicing division providing maintenance and upgrades for yachts; a sailmaking division in partnership with Austria’s One Sail loft; the inspirational Celox In-Motion and Celox Commerce linking marine businesses with sailors. For Pöessl and Celox Sailing, the GOR 2013-14 presents an exciting challenge for the company: 'It will prove Celox’s competence in racing and especially offshore racing throughout all the divisions,' he predicts.

Josh Hall, Race Director of the Global Ocean Race events is delighted by the double announcement: 'It is a real pleasure to have such a dynamic company involved with the current edition of the race,' says Hall. 'Gottfried, Peter and the Celox team have supplied enormous energy and commitment to the GOR and their racing programme is both impressive and immaculately organised,' he continues. 'Their early entry of Gust Buster in the 2013-14 race is indicative of the drive within their team. We have already announced the first solo entry in the next race with Joe Harris and his Akilaria RC2 Gryphon Solo 2 and it is excellent that a second Akilaria RC2 will be in the double-handed class with Gust Global Ocean Race Celox Sailing website