The 2008 Vendée Globe kicks off this Sunday at 1300, with a record number of British sailors on the start line. Seven Brits, including the only two female skippers in the race Sam Davies aboard Roxy and Dee Caffari aboard Aviva, will proudly fly their Union Jacks for three months during this solo, non-stop round the world voyage. In a traditionally French dominated race known as the Everest of sailing, the British have gained a strong reputation over the years and will do their best to secure the first ever British victory.
Apart from Mike Golding, who finished third in the 2004 Vendée Globe, and Alex Thomson, who was forced to retire in 2004, the remaining British skippers are new to the race. Even though they have all sailed thousands of miles around the globe in other races, Sam Davies, Jonny Malbon, Brian Thompson, Dee Caffari and Steve White will be on the start line of the Vendée Globe for the first time.
The race that made Ellen MacArthur a household name is key for Sam, who will be making her second attempt to sail around the world. 10 years ago when she was only 24, Sam Davies left for a round the world record attempt aboard a maxi catamaran with an all female crew led by Tracy Edwards. Unfortunately, the voyage ended in a dramatic dismasting which left a circumnavigation of the globe an unfulfilled dream for Sam. Sailing in what she calls “the challenge of her life”, Sam Davies will be looking forward to rounding Cape Horn for the first time.
With most of her life spent in English waters, Sam has got to know her British competitors very well. Good friends with most of them, she has also worked with sailing legends such as Brian Thompson, who she highly respects and sees as one of the favourites for the 2008 Vendée Globe. That said, Elaine Bunting from Yachting World believes that Sam has a good chance of doing well herself: “Sam knows this boat inside out. She's quick and tactically astute. If anything goes awry for Mike Golding, she would be my bet for the best result by a Briton.”
After more than two weeks in Les Sables d’Olonne, all the skippers have now started counting down the hours to start of the race. With just two days to go before the gun is fired that will see them set sail for three months, we asked Sam’s fellow competitors what they think of her.
MIKE GOLDING
“I have watched Sam’s career develop from Grand Prix sailing through Figaro to IMOCA 60. She is always very conscientious and dedicated and I think that she has developed into a very competent and talented sailor.”
ALEX THOMSON
“Sam is a great sailor. She has spent a lot of time in France, training with French sailors who are some of the best in the world. She has learnt a lot from them. She also has a fantastic pedigree boat; it may not be as competitive as some of the new boats but I am sure she will sail it extremely well.”
DEE CAFFARI
“I think that Sam is a threat to the boys! She always delivers what she promises. She is a smart cookie and has had a big impact on my career in the IMOCA 60 world. I hope I will make her proud by being near her in the race.”
JONNY MALBON
“Sam will have a good race for sure because she knows her boat very well and she is very well prepared. Although Roxy is not a new boat, Sam always sails very safely, fast, and always picks up places!”
BRIAN THOMPSON
"I first met Sam in 2000 in La Rochelle when she'd just got her Mini (6.5m). We have sailed (and won!) several Mini Class events and set records together on Maxi-Catamarans. I've been really impressed by her meteoric rise in the Figaro class, which is the toughest one-design solo class there is. She has prepared really well for the Vendée and, whilst Roxy might not be the newest boat, Sam certainly knows how to get the best out of her. I think her performance will surprise a lot of the fleet."
To follow Roxy and Sam Davies’ progress: www.roxysailing.com and www.samdavies.com
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