Dee Caffari and Mike Golding, two of Britain's most successful solo sailors, have announced that they are forming a new "technical alliance" to help them both in preparation for their 2008-2009 Vendée Globe campaigns.
Dee Caffari and Mike Golding, two of Britain's most successful solo sailors, have announced that they are forming a new "technical alliance" to help them both in preparation for their 2008-2009 Vendée Globe campaigns.
Dee and Mike are both developing new boats for the race, which have been designed by Merfyn Owen and built in New Zealand.
They have joined forces to share technical knowledge and data during the build process, which will lead to two-boat testing on the water in Spring 2008. This is the first time two British sailors have formed such an alliance and both campaigns hope it will go some way to providing them with that extra "edge" in their preparations for the Vendée which, to date, has only been won by a Frenchman.
Talking about her decision to enter into this alliance with Mike Golding, Dee said: "Mike and I will always be fierce competitors when we race, but with both of us designing and developing new boats for the Vendée Globe, there is a huge advantage of being able to share the learnings from two-boat testing.
"This unique alliance will enable us to share valuable design data, test the boats against each other and arrive at the Vendée start line with two highly competitive boats.
"Mike and his shore team have a strong reputation for their technical expertise so this is a great move for the Aviva Ocean Racing campaign. Mike and I have known each other for a long time and worked together before which gave us confidence to enter into this alliance."
Mike Golding said: "This is a new departure for us and one that I believe will reap longer-term rewards. At Mike Golding Yacht Racing we have always prided ourselves on our excellent technical preparation for races and this has helped us towards many successes on the circuit including two world championship wins. The support that we can offer Dee and her team will also serve us to further develop our technical advantage over many in the fleet."
Mike Golding has completed more solo, non-stop circumnavigations than any other British sailor. Next year's Vendée Globe will be the third time he has competed in this prestigious round the world solo yacht race. For Dee this will be her first attempt. If she succeeds in completing the Vendée Globe, Dee will achieve another "first"- becoming the first woman to have sailed non-stop, around the world in both directions.
You can follow Dee's progress on www.avivaoceanracing.com.