Malbon sets sights on 1st September for Vendee Globe qualification
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Article Date: 2008-07-04
View Count: 224
Jonny Malbon, fresh from helming Artemis Ocean Racing I to second place in class in this weekends round the island race, joins a number of other teams aiming for the extended deadline of the 1st September for his qualification into the Vendee Globe. Malbon recently returned from a 2,500 mile passage onboard Artemis Ocean Racing II where he put the boat and himself through a tough training sail, experiencing heavy weather with winds in excess of 45 knots.
The boat is currently undergoing some modifications in order to comply with IMOCA measurement rules including receiving a new, lighter mast and rigging. Following Jonny’s training sail he also confirmed some issues with the steering system that resulted in overloading the auto pilots. The problem has been clearly identified and a revised steering system is being installed. The boat will be fully ready to compete in the Artemis Challenge at Skandia Cowes week on 5th August.
Artemis Investment Management CEO Mark Tyndall commented: “The team has a tight deadline and a lot to do but we have every faith in them and know that they are working round the clock to fix the current issues. Whilst any setbacks are disappointing we fully understood when we took this project on that pushing boundaries and working at the cutting edge of design and build brings risks. We continue to give our unwavering support to Jonny and the team in their ongoing work in getting Artemis Ocean Racing II measured and Vendee qualified by September 1st and will be doing anything we can to help.”
Jonny commented: “It has been a challenge to get the boat into the condition she is today and we still have a long way to go. With delays in the build of the boat compounded by the deadlines we have at this end it is a race against time. However we are now on a very clear track with defined deadlines and milestones that we must reach in order to qualify by the 1st September and then be in full racing mode for the start in November. I had a fantastic, if windy, training sail where I gained a huge amount of confidence from the structure of the boat and how she copes in the higher wind ranges. It is clear that she is both fast and strong, two qualities critical to a boat competing in the Vendée Globe. We obviously have to get her measured, that is our priority and then to get out there and complete my qualification. In the meantime we will be working tirelessly with the entire Artemis Ocean Racing team on every element of the boat to ensure that we have left no stone unturned. As soon as we can we will get back on the water and get as many miles under the keel as possible. It is a significant period for all involved but we are up to the challenge.”
Jonny will leave on the 7th August for his qualification – he must sail to 52°N and 50°W by September 1st in order to comply with Vendee Globe race rules.
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