It has been a very long time since I’ve sat down and written one of these updates, I have so much news I don’t know where to start. I suppose the beginning is usually a good place. After a tough season in 2006; I decided that I needed to re-group and focus on exactly what I’m trying to achieve in my life rather than continuing with my blinkered approach of Vendee, Vendee, Vendee, whatever the cost.
Currently I’m developing my Project Management skills outside of the marine industry. Since February I’ve been working in the Business Improvement Service at the University of Exeter. I’m on a short term contract as a Project Manager. This is a very diverse role that involves overseeing business process reviews and running new projects. This work is coupled with helping to push the University forwards, in its aim to improve its position as one of the top twenty universities in the UK. It is currently ranked 18th by the Sunday Times league table. Throughout 2007, I will divide my time between working at the University, sailing with other teams in a variety of events and trying to raise funds for my 2008/9 Vendee Globe campaign. This is all quite a change to building boats and running racing campaigns but in this time of change for Higher Education, I’m learning about the core of a major business and helping to develop the service that it gives to its customers. These skills are all key to running Ocean Racing Ltd and servicing the project sponsors.
Aside from my nine to five commitments, I’m racing with Clemency Williams onboard the brand new First 34.7, Jos of Hamble. We will be competing doublehanded in the RORC (Royal Ocean Racing Club) offshore series throughout the season. This circuit kicked off last weekend and we made a fantastic start, first in the doublehanded division and 4th overall out of 122, see Clemency’s report attached to this mail for all the details.
I will also be doing some Mini Transat racing with Australian, Volvo Ocean Race veteran Tom Braidwood. Tom has a wildcard entry for the Transat this September and I was flattered when he asked me to join him for the Open Demi-Cle, which starts from Lorient on Friday 18th May. Having not been on a Mini since the Transat in 2005, I’m really excited about this opportunity. Hopefully the twenty odd thousand miles experience I have under my belt in this class will at least provide Tom with a couple of helpful tips for his campaign.
Looking further ahead in the season, I will also be racing the Rolex Fastnet at the end of Cowes Week. The main focus of the season though is once again the Class 40. I have a full program planned here which includes another shorthanded Trans-Atlantic race. We hope to make an announcement with all the details in the coming weeks. Thank you all for your wonderful support last year, I hope that this season I can provide you with more tales of famous victories than daring do!
