Vendée Globe

Mike Golding's monohull is back in Southampton after being worked on for six months. After she was dismasted last December in the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe, the boat was transported back to England last February aboard a container ship.

Mike Golding and his boat captain Harry McGougan have been monitoring the progress of work in Gosport. The boat's keel was sent to the JMV yard in Cherbourg, where it was repaired and a new metal keel head has replaced the composite one. Modifications were also made to the rig with a view to the forthcoming Transat Jacques Vabre. No structural damage was found, but a lot of repairs were necessary on the coach roof and deck, which suffered when the boat was dismasted. In May, the 60-foot IMOCA was given her new livery. The running rigging is due to be fitted this week and new sails are expected to arrive shortly. Mike Golding can now look forward to taking part in the Transat Jacques Vabre and has confirmed that he is in discussion with potential sponsors to allow him to take part in the Barcelona World Race in 2010. The skipper of the ex-Ecover stresses that it is once again the Vendée Globe, which will be the main focus of his attention.

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