The British sailor Mike Golding has chosen the Belgo-Canadian Bruno Dubois as his co-skipper pour la Transat Jacques Vabre 2011. This wil be Mike’s first race in the colours of his new partner Gamesa, with whom he has signed a contract for two years in order to take part in the 2012 Vendée Globe. Gamesa is due to launch at Green Marine in Hythe later this month. On 20th September she will be officially named by Princess Anne in Southampton.
This will be Golding’s seventh consecutive participation in the double-handed Jacques Vabre Race due to be raced between Le Havre and Puerto Limon au Costa Rica. This will not be the duo’s first attempt as they already raced together in 2007. Mike Golding: “ Bruno and I have known each other for many years and I trust him completely as co-skipper on this my first race for Gamesa. Bruno and his team at North Sails France provide the sails for the boat. He has a totally unique perspective and knowledge, which I value greatly. As our unofficial ‘sail coordinator’ his knowledge of the boat and my style of sailing will have a direct impact on our potential in the Vendée Globe. Clearly we are competing against some new boats this year plus we have been away from the IMOCA circuit for the past two years – however I remain confident that with our newly optimised boat and our combined experience onboard we will be a serious contender for a win in 2011.”
In the Green Marine Yard
Gamesa has been in the yard for several months and will be relaunched in August at the Green Marine yard in Hythe. She will be renamed by Princess Anne at the Southampton Boat Show on 20th September. In September there will be training sessions and the duo will carry out their qualifier for the double-handed transatlantic race, which is due to start in Le Havre on 30th October.
