TRANSAT JACQUES VABRE
Caffari has recruited King for the two-handed transatlantic race based on
his extensive offshore racing experience. This is the first race in the
Aviva Ocean Racing campaign that will be sailed in open seas without the
restrictions of busy shipping lanes and coastal waters. King's experience
will be invaluable in developing Caffari's decision-making and race tactics.
The pair first sailed together competitively in this year's Calais Round
Britain Race as part of a five-man crew. King has since competed in La
Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro but was disappointed to have to retire after
technical difficulties with the boat's electronics. Following today's
successful qualification Caffari and King will now train together in the
build up to the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre.
The 4,340-mile race signifies the next step of Caffari's rapid development
into competitive Open 60 racing as she prepares to compete in the Vendee
Globe 2008/09 and become the first woman to sail solo around the world in
both directions. The Transat Jacques Vabre sets sail from Le Havre, France
on 3 November 2007 and finishes in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil.
The Aviva Ocean Racing campaign is planned to culminate with her entry into
the 2008/9 Vendee Globe. This race is contested by ocean racing's elite, is
regarded as one of the world's most gruelling sailing races. Caffari's
campaign will include a series of IMOCA (International Monohull Open Class
Association) Open 60 races throughout 2007/8 in preparation for her entry
into the 2008/9 Vendee Globe.
The new purpose built race boat for the 2008
Vendee Globe entry is under construction.
All photos supplied by onEdition
2007-09-14
