Image copyright Juerg Kaufmann/Go4Image
Grit, determination, and experience could make Gutek and Polish Team Operon Racing the surprise package of the 2010-11 Velux5Oceans. Gutek, actual name Zbigniew Gutkowski, aims to be the first Polish sailor ever to race solo around the world
Image copyright Juerg Kaufmann/Go4Image
by Juerg Kaufmann and Anne Hinton
Zbigniew Gutkowski is one of Poland's best known and most experienced sailors with a wealth of offshore and inshore racing. The 36-year-old first honed his talents as a member of the Polish national sailing team, representing his nation in the 470 dinghy class from 1987 to 1995. He also spent several years campaigning state of the art 49er dinghies and was one of the most successful crews in Poland.
Gutek on board Team Operon Racing. Image copyright Juerg Kaufmann/Go4Image
Image copyright Juerg Kaufmann/Go4Image
Image copyright Juerg Kaufmann/Go4Image
In 2000 Zbigniew, known as 'Gutek', turned his hand to offshore sailing and that year he was Watch Captain onboard WARTA-POLPHARMA in The Race, the non-stop race around the world for multihulls. In 2005 he skippered the ORMA 60 Bonduelle in the Nokia Oops Cup. He also attempted to break the monohull record for a non-stop circumnavigation onboard the Volvo 60 Bank BPH (formerly ASSA ABLOY), but damage forced the crew to Cape Town after 9,500 miles.
Image copyright Juerg Kaufmann/Go4Image
Image copyright Juerg Kaufmann/Go4Image
Image copyright Juerg Kaufmann/Go4Image
Gutek hopes to be the first Polish sailor ever to race solo around the world. He has clocked up more than 100,000 nautical miles at sea and will be adding another 30,000 to his tally when he competes in the Eco 60 class in the 2010/11 VELUX 5 OCEANS.
Image copyright Juerg Kaufmann/Go4Image
Image copyright Juerg Kaufmann/Go4Image
Image copyright Juerg Kaufmann/Go4Image
Image gallery/Go4Image
Polish Team Operon Racing
Velux5Oceans
