Vendée Globe

Mr. Adaptable

Sixth in the last Route du Rhum on Artemis, this British yachtsman, who is still not very well known by the general public, is a true chameleon, who has such an exceptional ability to adapt to circumstances that he has become a vital figure on a large number of boats with one or two hulls, and not the least insignificant ones at that. The reason for this is Brian Thompson knows how to get the most out of everything that floats. There has to be a good reason for being named watch leader on giants like Cheyenne and PlayStation. Among his achievements, the Oryx Quest 2005, the round the world record in 2004 on Cheyenne, the Columbus Route the previous year on PlayStation… Brian has sailed a lot in recent years with his compatriot Mike Golding, who this time will be his rival in the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe. Rightly considered as one of the most experienced sailors on the international scene, he certainly will not be there just for the pleasure of going around the world.

Press Contact : Jo GAWITH
+44 7 968 723 054 / jo@performancepr.com

www.brianthompsonsailing.com

• Winner of the 2005 Oryx Quest (skipper)
• Round the world record on board Cheyenne (watch leader) in 2004
• Columbus Route record on Playstation (watch leader) in 2004
• 2004 Navigator and Tactician aboard Sergio Tacchini & Winner of the Quebec-Saint Malo

On the 60’ « Pindar »
• Winner of the 2008 Artemis Challenge

Inspired directly by the boats in the Volvo Ocean Race (crewed round the world race), Pindar, designed by the architect Juan Kouyoumdjian is without any doubt the most powerful boat in the IMOCA fleet. Particularly speedy in light airs, she will certainly be tougher to handle than others in the southern seas. Her performance in the forthcoming Vendée Globe may well influence many future projects, as the boat is based on some radical choices.

Boat - Designer: Juan Kouyoumdjian - Boatyard: Cookson Boats - Launch date: June 2007 - Length: 18.28 m (60’) - Beam: 6.40m (21’) - Draught : 4.50 m (14’9’’) - Displacement (weight) : 10,500kg - Number of daggerboards : 2 - Mast height: 30m (98’5’’) - Keel blade : steel - Upwind sail surface : 350m2 - Downwind sail surface : 640m2

© François Chevalier

• 26/02/09 : Brian getting used to life ashore
• 16/02/09 : Highlights of Brian's press conference
• 16/02/09 : Brian's first words
• 16/02/09 : Thompson takes fifth
• 16/02/09 : Closing distance to the line on Bahrain Team Pindar