Jack Bouttell. Image copyright Mark Lloyd/Lloyd Images
by GAC Pindar media
Marine leisure logistics provider GAC Pindar has today announced it will be the title sponsor for Jack Bouttell’s 2014 Solitaire du Figaro entry. The deal provides the aspiring young offshore sailor with the backing and support needed to compete in the Figaro class’ pinnacle event in June, and marks an exciting return to the world of offshore sailing for the Pindar name.
Bouttell, a graduate of the Artemis Offshore Academy, the UK’s only training centre for solo and short-handed offshore racing, will join over 40 solo sailors on the start line of the prestigious Solitaire du Figaro, in Deauville, France on Sunday 8 June. In the 2013 edition of the 2000 mile solo, offshore race, Bouttell became the first ever British skipper to win the Rookie division.
Pindar is already an established name in the world of offshore sailing, having supported Figaro campaigns as far back as April 2000, when Emma Sanderson (née Richards) and Miranda Merron competed in the Transat AG2R. While the current focus for GAC Pindar is inshore racing, with teams competing on both the Extreme Sailing Series and the World Match Racing Tour, the new partnership with Jack Bouttell provides an opportunity to experience an offshore sailing campaign once again.
Twenty-three year old Bouttell, who will embark on the Solo Basse Normandie tomorrow, a final practice opportunity ahead of the Solitaire, says: “I am thrilled to have the support of GAC Pindar as I prepare to compete in the Solitaire du Figaro for a second consecutive year. In 2014, I will be working hard to improve on my 2013 overall result and finish in the top half of the fleet.”
GAC Pindar Principal, Andrew Pindar adds: “We are delighted to support Jack as he prepares to embark on the 2014 Solitaire du Figaro. GAC Pindar is committed to developing the next generation of high level sailing talent, we are already working closely with Team Australia, The Challenger for the 35th America’s Cup, on the Extreme Sailing Series, and Jack is another excellent example of a rising star. We look forward to working once again on a Figaro sailing campaign, which may well lead to a greater involvement within the exciting world of offshore racing in the future.”
The 45th edition of the Solitaire du Figaro will see skippers depart from Deauville, France, in their one design Figaro Bénéteau boats, before visiting Plymouth, Roscoff, a stopover in Les Sables d’Olonnes, and returning to the Channel with a finish in Cherbourg-Octeville.
