http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com en-uk danvc@ocvision.com Copyright 2011 2011 http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/over_80_days_of_competition_for_the_artemis_offshore_academy_squad_in_2012/ http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/over_80_days_of_competition_for_the_artemis_offshore_academy_squad_in_2012/#When:11:02:37Z The Artemis Offshore Academy announce their 2012 racing calendar with over 80 days of short-handed racing from March to August In brief:• The Artemis Offshore Academy announce their 2012 racing calendar with over 80 days of short-handed racing from March to August• Nick Cherry and Sam Goodchild will race in the double-handed AG2R La Mondiale • Up to three Artemis Offshore Academy solo sailors to compete in the Solitaire du Figaro including Sam Goodchild and Nick Cherry• Becky Scott will be campaigning the Academy Mini for 2012 and the Les Sables - Azores - Les SablesIn detail:The Artemis Offshore Academy announced their 2012 race schedule from the Musto stand at the Tullett Prebon London Boat Show. This year the British short-handed specialist Academy will continue to enable sailors to compete in the highly competitive world of short-handed sailing with over 80 days of competitive racing in Europe. The Squad will compete on both the Figaro and Mini circuits with the month-long Solitaire du Figaro and the Les Sables – Azores - Les Sables being the highlight for the classes respectively. The Development Squad & graduate sailors at the London Boat Show © Kim Brett “The 2012 Artemis Offshore Academy race programme is an integral part of our long term training goals” said Artemis Offshore Academy Performance Director John Thorn. “It enables our new squad members and our second year squad members to not only put into practice what they have been covering in training so far but also to gauge their progress against the more experienced sailors and the very best of the Figaro fleet. The early season Figaro Class races will also enable us to determine performance for who will join Sam Goodchild and Nick Cherry as a third Artemis skipper in this years Solitaire du Figaro.”Four of the five Academy Figaros © David Harding The prestigious one-design Class Figaro Beneteau circuit including the Solitaire du Figaro attracts the world’s best solo sailors time and time again as it provides the perfect training ground to hone their skills in pursuit of solo excellence. The 2011 Solitaire du Figaro winner Jeremie Beyou has competed in this prestigious race 12 times, winning on three occasions, demonstrating the high level of returning competition in this class and the skill it requires to win it. This year the Solitaire du Figaro has moved from its regular August slot to the 16th June – 15th July so as not to clash with the London 2012 Olympics. In 2011 there were four Artemis Offshore Academy sailors on the start line with Sam Goodchild as the sole Artemis scholarship campaign. The other three sailors (Phil Sharp, Nigel King and Conrad Humphreys) had their own campaigns but worked with the Academy alongside their own sponsors. For 2012 the Artemis Offshore Academy will be able to give three sailors the chance to race in the Solitaire du Figaro including Sam Goodchild, Nick Cherry and one place that is still available to a member of the Development Squad.Sam Goodchild onboard Figaro 23 © Lloyd Images“I can’t wait to get back into training my Figaro for circuit this year, particularly to compete in another Solitaire du Figaro,” said Goodchild. “The Solitaire is a unique race against some of the best short-handed sailors in the world and I have so much to learn from them and there is no better class to be sailing in to improve my offshore sailing skills.”Goodchild had an impressive year in 2011 competing in the Figaro circuit where he displayed his natural sailing ability with some early season podium finishes – unsurprising after growing up on a boat, sailing is second nature to him. He then went on to finish in 34th position overall and 7th in the ‘Rookie’ division in the Solitaire du Figaro. Once the Figaro circuit was completed Goodchild went on to race in the Transat Jacques Vabre on Class 40 Concise. However after a week at sea they were forced to retire from first place in the Class 40 fleet due to hull damage after the exceptionally rough Atlantic conditions experienced in the early part of the race. This disappointment opened up another opportunity, enabling Sam to accept a last minute chance to co-skipper another Class 40 along side Conrad Coleman in leg two of the Global Ocean Race from Cape Town (RSA) to Wellington (NZL), The youngest duo in the race managed to win by over 35 hours.Sam Goodchild celebrating with Pol Roger after winning leg 2 of the Global Ocean RaceNick Cherry a fellow graduate sailor who joined the inaugural Artemis Offshore Academy Development Squad in late 2010 will also race on the Figaro circuit for 2012 including the Solitaire du Figaro. Nick will qualify for the ‘Rookie’ division this year, a division specifically for sailors for whom this is their first race . Phil Sharp secured the best ever British position of the modern era finishing in 18th place and 3nd Rookie last year. “Being in the position at this stage in the season where I know I am doing the Solitaire at the end of June is incredibly motivating,” explained Nick.  “Having the chance to plan all my training and boat preparation well in advance means there are no excuses for not performing to my very best! I really hope I can do the Artemis Offshore Academy proud, I’m realistic about the quality of the cometition, getting into the top ½ of the fleet would be a big achievement, I’m hoping to be amongst the leading rookies.” Nick Cherry © Lloyd ImagesCherry and Goodchild will also be competing in the double-handed AG2R La Mondiale. This transatlantic Figaro race starts from Concarneau, France on the 21st April finishing about three weeks later at the Caribbean island of St Barts. This Figaro race will see Cherry and Goodchild racing against the favorites of the 2012 Solitaire du Figaro fleet, and provide the duo with an excellent opportunity to sharpen their skills in the open ocean.Becky Scott onboard BasecampMeanwhile in the Mini Becky Scott will be competing in the Les Sables – Azores - Les Sables: “2012 is going to be a really exciting year, the highlight for me will be the Class Mini Azores race,  a 2600 mile 2 leg race departing from Les Sables on the 29th of July” explained Scott. “I will start my season off training in the solent with a new UK Mini Training group set up with the support of the Artemis Offshore Academy. I will then take part in the UK Class Mini Races before heading over to France to do some more training and racing while testing myself against the French sailors before the start of the Azores Race.”The Artemis Offshore Academy got straight back into training mode after the Christmas break with training from Olympic and America’s Cup physiologist Pete Cunningham, solo sailing psychologist Neil Western and ex-America’s Cup and British Olympic meteorologist Fiona Campbell.“I am really looking forward to getting back to training on the preparation for the Solo Les Sables, my first solo race. Over the next couple of months I will be working on my practical training as well as training hard to improve my fitness and meteorology knowledge and working towards my Yachtmaster certificate,” reported Aaron Cooper. “The season’s opener the ‘Solo Les Sables’ in March will give me my first opportunity to put everything I have learnt into practice since joining the Artemis Offshore Academy and test myself against my fellow Academy sailors and the experienced French Figaro fleet”. The Artemis Offshore Academy sailors will now be training in both the UK and France until their first race, the Solo Les Sables which starts on the 11th March. Follow the Artemis Offshore Academy on Facebook and Twitter. 2012-01-11T11:02:37+00:00 http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/dont_miss_the_artemis_offshore_academy_programme_on_channel_4_this_weekend/ http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/dont_miss_the_artemis_offshore_academy_programme_on_channel_4_this_weekend/#When:14:06:27Z Channel 4 will be broadcasting a stand-alone programme about the Artemis Offshore Academy this coming Saturday, 10th December at 6.35AM. Called the ‘Offshore Academy – in Search of Britain’s Best Solo Sailor’. Channel 4 will be broadcasting a stand-alone programme about the Artemis Offshore Academy this coming Saturday, 10th December at 6.35AM. Called the ‘Offshore Academy – in Search of Britain’s Best Solo Sailor’, the programme takes the viewer behind the scenes at this year’s tough Selection Trials held at the 2012 Olympic sailing venue the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. Sixteen hopefuls aspiring to follow in the footsteps of Britain’s offshore solo sailing legends like Sir Robin Knox Johnston and Dame Ellen MacArthur, were put under extreme pressure both on and off the water as they combated sleep deprivation, making even the simplest task seem challenging. Britain’s solo star, Dee Caffari joined the Academy judging panel and also narrates the programme for Channel 4.Watch the programme trailer here.Dee Caffari with the 2011-2012 Development Squad © Lloyd ImagesThe programme is also available on our YouTube channel and on 4OD after it has aired.This year the Academy had 16 applicants from a wide range of sailing disciplines, from a round the world sailor, to dinghy and keelboat racers who competed fiercely for one of the highly coveted places on the Development Squad. Ultimately, only three applicants proved themselves ready to be selected full-time - Aaron Cooper, Ollie Bond and Henry Bomby, whilst Lizzy Foreman, Sam Matson, Robin Elsey and Robert Gullan joined the new student programme introduced this year. Read the full Selection Trials news here.The Artemis Offshore Academy Figaros © Lloyd ImagesThe Artemis Offshore Academy Development Squad is the only British short-handed training programme focused solely on creating winning solo and short-handed skippers with long-term aspirations. The Academy provides a structured UK training programme of excellence to bring talented sailors up through the ranks with the ultimate goal of putting a British sailor in a strong position to win the Vendée Globe in 2016 or 2020.Follow the Artemis Offshore Academy on Facebook and Twitter. You can also sign up for our newsletter on the homepage via the ‘Sign Up’ link. 2011-12-07T14:06:27+00:00 http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/the_artemis_offshore_academy_is_into_winter_training_mode_and_sam_goodchild/ http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/the_artemis_offshore_academy_is_into_winter_training_mode_and_sam_goodchild/#When:13:57:17Z The Artemis Offshore Academy’s new Development Squad have started their short-handed winter training programmes. The Artemis Offshore Academy’s new Development Squad have started the short-handed winter training programme. Oliver Bond, Henry Bomby and Aaron Cooper, the three full-time Academy Development Squad members picked from the Selection Trials in September, are now training in La Grande Motte - the French Figaro Centre d’Entrainement Méditerranée for the winter. Sam Goodchild, who was awarded the Academy’s 2011 Figaro scholarship, has taken the lead in the double-handed 7,000nm leg two of the Global Ocean Race with co-skipper Conrad Colman. Out of the six Class 40 teams, one duo were forced to retire as they dismasted after only 24-hours at sea. The first three boats split tacks yesterday, with Goodchild and Colman staying to the north and taking the lead in a bold move to find better winds.Sam Goodchild at the helm in the Global Ocean Race © Cessna CitationMeanwhile in La Grande Motte, Mike Hart, world champion sailor and RYA coach, has been training with the Development Squad this week: “The focus for training at the moment is on boat handling and boat speed sessions, to give the sailors a solid base to work on more specific goals in the new year. They have been working hard with a full gym session before on the water training, so although the winds are light, the sailors have been working hard with 16 - 18 spinnaker hoists, drops and some gybes as well.” “I am starting to gain more confidence in my manoeuvres, although I still have a lot of work to do! However, it is great to see some progress being made” reported Bomby. Hart has had Artemis Offshore Academy graduate Nick Cherry on hand to aid training. Cherry who joined the Academy in the inaugural Development Squad has one season of Figaro race experience under his belt, providing vital knowledge for the new squad members whilst training.On the water training © Artemis Offshore AcademyOne of the advantages of training at the Centre d’Entrainement Méditerranée is that the Development Squad can train with the seasoned French Figaro sailors. This helps accelerate the Squad’s learning curve as they get to know their competitors in this one-design class. “It has been really interesting watching the French Figaro sailors on the water and listening to them in the debriefing as they have got so much experience,” said Cooper. “I am looking forward to doing some double-handed training with the them before Christmas.”The double-handed training will see the English and French working together in duos training and allowing both nationalities to share their knowledge and learn from each other.The student Development Squad, a new addition to the Academy this year, is made up of Lizzy Foreman, Robert Gullan, Sam Matson and Robin Elsey. These sailors are training with the Academy whilst studying for their degrees.  “I am really enjoying being able to learn so much by working with the Artemis Offshore Academy” explained Elsey who has spent many hours working on the Academy Figaros and Mini at the UK base. “The Figaro is the best boat that I have ever sailed!” On the water training © Artemis Offshore AcademyThe Figaro is the boat of choice for entering the short-handed sailing arena and is one that many sailors often to return to help ethem hone their solo sailing skills.  French Figaro sailor Jeremie Beyou has competed in the Solitaire du Figaro 12 times, winning it this year for the second time. He then went on to win the double-handed Transat Jacques Varbe IMOCA division with Jean-Pierre Dick in November. John Thorn, Artemis Offshore Academy Performance Director, is happy with how the Squad have commenced the winter training programme: “The early training is going very well with activity both in the UK and in the south of France.  Whilst we are still in, what you might call, the honeymoon period for the sailors it is clear that the squad is beginning to appreciate the task ahead and the long road to be travelled.”Fitness training © Artemis Offshore AcademyThe sailors all have individual training programmes, which include not only short-handed racing but also meteorology, navigation, onboard systems, boat maintenance, sponsorship procurement, French language and fitness. Follow all the Development Squad progress here, sign up to the newsletters via the ‘Sign Up’ button on the homepage. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest news. 2011-12-02T13:57:17+00:00 http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/goodchild_colman_lead_the_class_40_fleet_across_the_start_line_for_leg_two_/ http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/goodchild_colman_lead_the_class_40_fleet_across_the_start_line_for_leg_two_/#When:11:28:16Z Conrad Colman and Artemis Offshore Academy member Sam Goodchild led the Class 40 fleet across the start line today at Noon (local time) today for the second 7,000nm leg. Conrad Colman and Artemis Offshore Academy member Sam Goodchild led the Class 40 fleet across the start line today at Noon (local time) today for the second 7,000nm leg. The six international teams enjoyed 20-knots of breeze for the start in Table Bay, Cape Town.Sam Goodchild & Conrad Colman at the start of leg 2 © Global Ocean Race“We had an exciting start, reaching in 20-knots. However, it was short lived as we sailed under Table Mountain and the wind disappeared,” reported Artemis Offshore Academy sailor Goodchild from onboard after the start. “After sitting in a wind hole for a few hours we finally escaped with BSL and Campagne de France and are now heading south past the Cape of Good Hope into the Southern Ocean.”Before leaving the dock this morning the Victoria & Alfred Harbourmaster, Steven Bentley, stood-in as the Global Ocean Race fleet’s chaplain, reading from Luke Chapter 8 – a verse advising sailors on a sinking ship that faith in yourself is valuable throughout life. “I can’t wait to race in this mythical place, the Southern Ocean,” said Goodchild. The Southern Indian Ocean is famed for being one of the toughest seas on planet earth. Cold temperatures, strong winds and large waves will challenge the duos throughout this leg. However they will also be blessed with racing alongside the Albatross, majestic scenery and being in the element for any short-handed sailor. The Race Committee yesterday relaxed the exclusion zone, which was set at 42S latitude after receiving new weather information regarding the ice flow that the committee feared could pose a danger to the fleet. The new exclusion zone for leg two has been adapted to below 42S from the start until 49E, north of the Crozet Islands, with an additional southern limit south-west of Australia below Cape Leeuwin stretching from 100E to 120E at 45S, pulling the fleet up towards the Australian Bight from the Southern Ocean, permitting a variety of options between the two southern limits. In addition, the GOR fleet has been instructed to leave Kerguelen Island at 49S and 69E to starboard and the Celox Sailing Scoring Gate, stretching north-south at 69E - approximately midway between the African and Australian continents – has been extended south to Kerguelen.The teams are expecting to complete the 7,000nm leg in roughly four weeks, arriving into Wellington after Christmas. If you have any messages for Sam Goodchild please submit them as a message on the Artemis Offshore Academy Facebook fan page.Follow Goodchild and Colman here, and stay up-to-date via Facebook and Twitter. 2011-11-29T11:28:16+00:00 http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/artemis_offshore_academy_sailor_sam_goodchild_will_be_taking_on_the_souther/ http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/artemis_offshore_academy_sailor_sam_goodchild_will_be_taking_on_the_souther/#When:14:40:33Z Artemis Offshore Academy sailor Sam Goodchild will be taking on the Southern Ocean in the double-handed Global Ocean Race with Conrad Colman onboard the 40-ft monohull, Cessna Citation. Artemis Offshore Academy sailor Sam Goodchild will be taking on the Southern Ocean in the double-handed Global Ocean Race with Conrad Colman onboard the 40-ft monohull, Cessna Citation. At just 22 years of age, Goodchild will be the youngest sailor competing in the 7,500nm leg from Cape Town (South Africa) to Wellington (New Zealand), starting at 12:00 (GMT) this Sunday (27th November). Sam Goodchild © Global Ocean Race“I am really looking forward to racing with Conrad and going to this mythical place, the Southern Ocean,” explained Goodchild, who was asked by Colman to compete in the second leg of the Global Ocean Race on his 22nd birthday. “I am excited to sail with Conrad as he has a great racing background, slightly different to mine, but I think we can come together and make a great team.”The six international Class 40 teams, who started leg one of the Global Ocean Race in September from the island of Majorca, will have to negotiate some of the most treacherous waters on earth to get to Wellington.  Icebergs, huge waves that circle the globe unchallenged by any land mass, freezing temperatures and large low-pressure systems will test these duos to their limit over four weeks at sea. The race organiser has implemented a mandatory southern limit for leg two of 42 degrees South due to an unusual frequency of ice drifting north.Class 40, Cessna Citation ©  Gabriel Ramon“My campaign with Cessna Citation has been characterized by doing things at the last minute, and bringing Sam with just a few days to go before the start continues the theme,” said Colman. “However, he is already well acquainted with the Akilaria II and I have no doubts that we’ll be able to gel quickly and compete with the best on leg two which finishes in my home town.”Colman will be racing with a new skipper for each of the five legs in the race, with Goodchild being delighted to step into the co-skipper position as it opened up at the last minute. It was perfect timing for Artemis sailor Goodchild, as he was recently forced to retire from the Transat Jacques Varbre. He retired from first place after seven days of racing in the Class 40 fleet due to hull damage on Concise 2, the sister ship of Cessna Citation, not making it to the finish line in Costa Rica. “The opportunity to race in the Southern Ocean does not come along very often so I am excited to see what it’s all about, and maybe next time I’ll be back in the solo, non-stop Vendée Globe!” commented the aspiring solo sailor.2011 - 2012 Global Ocean Race routeGoodchild, who won the Artemis Offshore Academy Scholarship in May this year, has had an incredible year of short-handed racing experience, which included the prestigious solo Solitaire du Figaro in August, as well as the French Figaro Championship races, and most recently the Transat Jacques Varbre.Become a fan of the Academy here and follow us on Twitter. Stay up to date with the Artemis Offshore Academy news by signing up to the newsletter, sign up on the website via the ‘Sign Up’ button. 2011-11-24T14:40:33+00:00 http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/sam_goodchild_on_team_concise_forced_to_retire_from_the_transat_jacques_vab/ http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/sam_goodchild_on_team_concise_forced_to_retire_from_the_transat_jacques_vab/#When:07:49:38Z In a hugely disappointing twist of fate this morning Sam Goodchild and Ned Collier-Wakefield were forced to retire from the 10th edition of the biennial Transat Jacques Vabre. In a hugely disappointing twist of fate this morning Sam Goodchild and Ned Collier-Wakefield were forced to retire from the 10th edition of the biennial Transat Jacques Vabre. Concise 2 their Class 40 was leading the smallest class in the race after only recently taking the lead from Aquerelle.com in the night. Concise 2 was beginning to show cracks in the hull and it was feared that the she might start taking on water, which forced them to retire.Sam Goodchild and Ned Collier Wakefield © Lloyd Images“We have a crack along the port side which is from slamming through the waves for the last two days, so we are trying to be careful not to do any more and make sure it is not getting any worse,” said Goodchild. “At the moment there is no water ingress but we feel that is not too far away. We realised this when we were on a watch change I went to hang up my foul weather gear I saw it, I   found the crack then.”The previous two days of weather saw the youngest team competing racing in up to 64-knots of wind and heavy confused seas, which has resulted in the damage to the hull. A devastated Goodchild explained: “It is pretty devastating. This race is something we have been both looking forward to for such a long time. It has been my dream for so long, so then to take the start and to be in a position we never imagined we would be in, second for most of the first week and then overtaking last night, it kind of rubs it in a bit more and makes it a bit more devastating. But at the same time we can go home not feeling too annoyed with ourselves. We put up a good fight and made good calls, not too many mistakes and that’s it.”On hearing the news record-setting sailor Mike Golding tweeted: “Gutted for Team Concise being forced to retire from #tjv2011. @nedcw & @goodchildsam are real stars of the future #watchthisspace.” Demonstrating how this young duo impressed the sailing fraternity with their seven days of racing in this legendary race.This year the race has faced huge storms with nature flexing her power over all ocean races competing at the moment. Concise 2’s retirement is the fifth one from the 16-boat Class 40 fleet that started, and the 13th boat of the 35-boats that started on the 2nd November in France that will not make it to the finish line in Costa Rica. The race was postponed for 72-hours to let exceptional low pressure fronts pass before the teams took to the start line in submission to the intense weather systems. 2011-11-08T07:49:38+00:00 http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/pip_hare_first_female_finisher_and_17th_overall_in_the_2011_charente-mariti/ http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/pip_hare_first_female_finisher_and_17th_overall_in_the_2011_charente-mariti/#When:07:20:31Z The Mini-Transat, as this race is more popularly known, saw Artemis Offshore Academy Associate member and first-time Mini-Transat sailor Pip Hare arrive into the windy Brazilian port of Bahia having achieved her goal of finishing in the top 15 of the Series class for leg two. The Mini-Transat, as this race is more popularly known, saw Artemis Offshore Academy Associate member and first-time Mini-Transat sailor Pip Hare arrived into the windy Brazilian port of Bahia having achieved her goal of finishing in the top 15 of the Series class for leg two. She finished leg two after 21 days, 10 hours, 22 minutes, and 13 seconds in a well earned 15th place. The race included a record number of six female skippers amongst the 79 competitors with Pip being the first female sailor to finish the race in the 45-boat Series fleet. The 4,200nm ‘Everest’ event for the Mini Class, was split into two legs, Leg 1 from La Rochelle to Funchal Madeira (1,100nm), and Leg 2 onward to Bahia, Brazil (3,100nm). Pip Hare © Pip Hare Ocean Racing“I am absolutely thrilled,” explained Pip. “I learned a huge amount on this leg and at the end I was fighting closely with some guys who have been training in these boats for four years, so I am very proud to have been able to compete with them.”The Mini class attracts sailors who often fund their own racing campaigns by fitting the qualification races and training around their full-time jobs. These sailors relish the challenge of completing this mammoth race in small (21 foot) 6.50-metre boats. For many sailors who complete this race it is the opportunity of a lifetime, which they have worked towards for many years. However, for some sailors it is the first rung on a ladder into the professional solo sailing world. Dame Ellen MacArthur first competed in the Transat 6.50 and credits this race for giving her the first taste of solo offshore competition.  Pip has benefitted from being an Artemis Offshore Academy Associate member joining in the early season training at the Centre d’Entrainement Méditerranée in La Grande Motte, then getting logistical assistance periodically during the season.Pip Hare at the start of the race in La Rochelle © Pip Hare Ocean RacingPip finished with an overall position of 17th place with a cumulative time of 31 days, 10 hours, 52 minutes and 7 seconds for the two legs in the Series class. “Unbelievable! The atmosphere was amazing, the sail in was so tough and stressful with Ysbrand and Hugo hot on my heels. I arrived to music, a huge crowd cheering, fireworks, and one hundred arms all hugging me! I could not stop smiling, it is one of the best moments of my life to date.”This year the competitors experienced uncharacteristically difficult weather systems which tested them to the limit: “The long trade wind sailing that we all looked forward to was not there very often. Sometimes it would be heaven surfing down waves in the sun, but then the conditions would change and we would have head winds and huge waves, lightening and squalls. It seemed to never end. It was really important to remain positive and to keep pushing and pushing and pushing, there was no rest, and the competition was fierce and close,” said Pip.An unrelenting race with minimal sleep © Pip Hare Ocean RacingThe 2011 route of the biannual race was the longest in the race’s history. The 79 Mini’s were split into two classes – the one-design class of the Series Mini (with a minimum of 10 identical boats built) and the unique cutting edge designs of the Proto Mini’s.  In the proto fleet, already known for extreme designs, David Raisen’s radical “TEAMWORK EVOLUTION” set a new record for the 2nd leg in an impressive 17 days, 6 hours, 32 minutes and 6 seconds. Eighteen boats were forced to retire or abandon ship during the race due to a variety of reasons including dismasting, electrical problems, leaks and collisions with unidentified floating objects.Remi Fermin was dismasted 1,029nm from the finish and was able to construct a jury rig at nine metres high to finish the leg in 25th place in 23 days, 11 hours, 3 minutes and 54 seconds. “To sail like this, to continue racing and look after yourself at sea in such a way is a truly special skill,” commented Pip.Pip Hare on her Mini The Potting Shed © Pip Hare Ocean RacingThe experience has increased Pip’s already huge enthusiasm, and she’s looking forward to the 2013 edition of the race. “My plan is to find sponsorship for a full time campaign for 2013 - chasing a podium position in the Series fleet. This is now unfinished business!”Top 3 overall Series results: 1st Gwénolé Gahinet (ASSO Watever) 29d:16h:46m:40s2nd Pierre Brasseur (Voiles Ocean) 29d:20h:22m:40s3rd Benoit Mariette (Odalys Vacances) 30d:0h:42m:58s17th Pip Hare (The Potting Shed) 31d:10h:52m:7sTop 3 overall Proto results:1st David Raison (Team Work Evolution) 26d:3h:28m:40s2nd Thomas Normand (Financiere de L’Echiquier) 27d:2h:58m:25s3rd Antoine Rioux (Festival des Pains) 30d:0h:42m:14s 2011-11-08T07:20:31+00:00 http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/new_recruits_announced_for_the_artemis_offshore_academy_development_squad/ http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/new_recruits_announced_for_the_artemis_offshore_academy_development_squad/#When:15:21:12Z After a grueling 52-hour selection process, seven British sailors from the 16 participating in the Artemis Offshore Academy Selection Trials have now been recruited to join the Development Squad. After a grueling 52-hour selection process, seven British sailors from the 16 participating in the Artemis Offshore Academy Selection Trials have now been recruited to join the Development Squad.  They are Ollie Bond (aged 31 from Hamble), Henry Bomby, (20 from Kingswear), Aaron Cooper (22, Southampton), Robert Gullan (25, Southampton), Lizzy Foreman (21, Worcester Park), Robin Elsey (19, Turo), Sam Matson (20, Ottery St Mary).2011 - 2012 Development Squad with Dee Caffari and John Thorn © Lloyd ImagesThe annual Selection Trials were staged from 26th September to 2nd October, at Wokefield Park and the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.  Sixteen hopefuls were split into two groups for 52-hours of intense challenges to identify those who had the potential to be a first class short-handed sailor. “It was a difficult decision as we are not only looking for sailors with extraordinary talent, potential and commitment, but they also have to be at the right stage of their career to benefit from the Academy training programme,” explained Rod Carr, ex-CEO of the Royal Yachting Association, who leads the Artemis Offshore Academy Advisory Board. “The Artemis Offshore Academy has a similar structure to the successful RYA Olympic Sailing programmes and has started to show signs of success with 2011 graduates Phil Sharp finishing in 18th place in the Solitaire du Figaro, the highest placed finish for a British sailor in the history of the race, and Sam Goodchild who will be making his debut in the grueling double-handed Transat Jacques Vabre transatlantic race.” The judges, who included record-breaking round the world yachtswoman Dee Caffari, were looking for candidates with good racing skills and the ability to perform under pressure. Physical fitness, mental strength and their ability to manage their sleep and food intake were key factors in their assessment, as well as their overall potential to succeed in short-handed racing. It was a tough programme with the candidates, on average, only managing 4.5 hours sleep in total over the two and a half days. “I was really impressed with how hard these guys have worked,” said Caffari. “If I think back to when I started, I spent years acquiring all the facets of what it takes to make a solo offshore sailor and the Artemis Offshore Academy are offering it in one programme. It’s an amazing opportunity and I would have loved to have signed up back when I started!” 2011 - 2012 Development Squad with John Thorn © Lloyd ImagesAaran Cooper, Ollie Bond and Henry Bomby will join the Development Squad from the end of the month. They begin their training at the specialist Figaro training facility, the Centre d’Entrainement Mediterranée in La Grande Motte, in France. Cooper is delighted to have been selected for the new Development Squad: “It was a real heart in mouth moment when I was told I was selected. I realised I was going to be part of the team and would have some fantastic opportunities ahead of me,” said Cooper. “It’s a real step on the ladder towards progressing my solo sailing towards the ultimate goal of racing in a Vendée Globe.”Part of the Development Squad programme has been adapted for the new Squad members who are currently attending University: “To be given the opportunity to join the squad and train with the Artemis Offshore Academy around my studies means that I can finish my university degree whilst working towards my long-term goal which is a fantastic opportunity,” commented Lizzy Foreman.  Foreman, Robert Gullan, Robin Elsey and Sam Matson will be on an 18-month training programme with an aim to be ready to race in the Mini Class or Figaro Circuit in 2013. The new Squad on Figaro 23 © Lloyd ImagesThe candidates who attended the Selection Trials ranged from a solo round-the-world sailor to dinghy sailors, match racers to crewed keelboat racers. The judges had to make the tough decision on who would make it through. John Thorn, Performance Director explains: “We saw a diverse group of sailors with very mixed backgrounds. Some sailors excelled in certain areas but still need to develop skills in weaker areas, and with feedback from us we hope those unsuccessful applicants will spend the next year furthering their knowledge with some guidance from us before re-applying next year.”The Development Squad will be training this winter in the south of France. All the sailors will be training together as a team, as well as working on their own tailor-made programmes. The sailors will undergo training not only in racing but also meteorology, navigation, onboard systems, boat maintenance, sponsorship procurement, French language and fitness. Once individual needs have been assessed, a more detailed plan will be released, including details of the 2012 racing programme.Meet the 2011-2012 Development Squad here.Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all Artemis Offshore Academy news as it unfolds. 2011-10-12T15:21:12+00:00 http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/2011_artemis_offshore_academy_selection_trials_completed/ http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/2011_artemis_offshore_academy_selection_trials_completed/#When:13:02:52Z Sixteen candidates were chosen to take part in the 2011 Artemis Offshore Academy Selection Trials which took place last week at two locations – the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and at the Wokefield Park Corporate Outdoor Learning Centre. Sixteen candidates were chosen to take part in the 2011 Artemis Offshore Academy Selection Trials which took place last week at two locations – the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy and at the Wokefield Park Corporate Outdoor Learning Centre. The 16 candidates were divided into two groups of eight, and held in secrecy so not give the second group an advantage over the first. The inaugural Selection Trials last year last year were based around the ‘Fantasy Figaro’ and this year it was the ‘Virtual Vendée Globe’ with guest star Dee Caffari in attendance.  Caffari was the first woman to sail solo around the world non-stop in both directions and who raced in the 2008/09 solo Vendée Globe, finishing an impressive 6th place out of an original fleet of 30.The candidates in action in Weymouth © David Harding“The purpose of the Selection Trials is to unearth the candidates who display the skills that are a pre-requisite to succeed in the sport of solo and short-handed racing, with the Artemis Offshore Academy set up to help these sailors achieve their ambitions,” said John Thorn, Performance Director of the Academy who was present throughout the Selection Trials.  The Artemis Offshore Academy judges and Advisory Board, headed up by Rod Carr, ex-CEO of the Royal Yachting Association, will now face the difficult task of deciding which candidates will be selected for the Development Squad.  The Squad will go on to receive training this winter and support to race next season.Each group of candidates took part in the Selection Trials for 52-hours, during this time they were pushed hard in a variety of physical and mental challenges for intense periods of time with as little as 4 hours sleep (just like solo sailing!) earning miles to take them on their 25,000 mile Virtual Vendée Globe finish line. The winner of the Virtual Vendee Globe was Aaron Cooper who earned the most miles (27,190) and received a £1000 Musto voucher. The first group of eight candidates completed the Selection Trials from Monday to Wednesday (26-28 Sept), with the second group from Thursday (29 Sept) to Saturday (1 Oct). Dee Caffari with group B © David HardingThe first 24 hours of the Trials involved working at a high ropes course, fitness testing and then an overnight Virtual IMOCA 60 Sikaflex boat building challenge. “The boat building challenge went really well, a lot of them showed really good time management skills and I was impressed,” said judge Dee Caffari before they headed out sailing. “Some have had sleep, others are a little bit tired and are getting a bit tardy, and they can’t afford that. They are heading out on the water and because it’s all about performance today they need to always think about the bigger picture.” Challenges are either in groups or as individuals where candidates opt what they do and who they work with to maximise the miles they gain. There is also a joker card available which allows candidates to double their points for one challenge. The candidates also had to make a ten-minute interview to the judges on why they should be allowed to join the Artemis Offshore Academy Development Squad.The Liferaft Challenge at sunrise © David HardingKatherine Whitley from group A summed up the Selection Trials in three words when she finished: “Sleepless, awesome and freeze-dried!” One aspect that the candidates are assessed on is there ability to manage themselves, their rest, food consumption and hydration throughout the 52-hours, as this is such a vital part of short-handed competitive sailing. The candidates were given a pack of freeze-dried food and sports recovery shakes on arrival to last them throughout the Trials, and it was up to them when they hydrate, eat and rest.Katherine Whitley sailing solo for the first time under the watchful eye of Squad member Nick Cherry © David Harding“The Selection Trials went very well this year and the candidates are all rising to the challenge, and they also understand why we are setting some of the challenges,” said John Thorn, Artemis Offshore Academy Performance Director. “Different candidates are excelling in different challenges, which is interesting and also reflects the diverse backgrounds they come from. The candidates also raced out on the water in the Figaros, and this is where we assessed their sailing skills to see what they are made of.”Mike Perham © David HardingThe Selection Trials candidates included some experienced sailor Mike Perham, who at 17 years of age became the youngest person to sail around the world in 2009, double-handed Figaro sailor Matthew Lingley, as well as Olly Bond and Henry Bomby who attended the Selection Trials last year. “It’s everything I hoped for, I knew they would challenge and test us,” said Perham. “It’s hard work and it’s not easy in any shape of form!”Henry Bomby © Lee Tuckett“I had just under three hours sleep on the night of the boat building challenge,” explained Henry Bomby. “I’ve clocked up some time on the Figaros this summer including doing the Fastnet, which helped me on the short course racing as I have experience of on the boat manoeuvers which are a key part.” Rod Carr and the documentary film crew on board with Andrew Sinclair © David HardingHowever, the majority of applicants understandably do not have much short-handed experience and the Selection Trials are a chance for them to try this type of sailing in order to more fully understand the physical and mental demands required to compete in this arena.A documentary on the Artemis Offshore Academy Selection Trials will be broadcast on Channel 4 as part of the ‘Sailing on 4’ series in December.The Academy will announce which candidates have been selected for the Development Squad, the week commencing 10th October. 2011-10-03T13:02:52+00:00 http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/the_transat_6.50/ http://www.artemisoffshoreacademy.com/site/the_transat_6.50/#When:13:14:34Z Formerly known as the Mini Transat, The Charente-Maritime/Bahia Transat 6.50 starts on the 25th September in La Charente-Maritime. Formerly known as the Mini Transat, The Charente-Maritime/Bahia Transat 6.50 was created by the British sailor Bob Salmon. a professional skipper and racing amateur. His main aim for this race was for it to be affordable for every budget, to ensure this he set the maximum length for all boats as 6.50 meters.This year the bi-annual race will start on the Sunday the 25th September from La Charente-Maritime in France heading to the Madeira and then from Madeira to Bahia, Brazil, a 7,800 km sprint with just one stop over along the route.Solo sailor Pip Hare has spent her career helping people to reach their dreams, and is now taking the plunge to make her dreams a reality by lining up on the start line for the Transat 6.50 in her 6.50M Mini Pogo. Here we have asked her some questions about what motivated her to get to the start line of this epic, once in a lifetime race…1. Why did you decide to from being a sailing teacher to racing full time?I have spent my whole life helping other people acheive their dreams and goals, teaching them to sail, helping them through exams, preparing for racing and for cruising it’s very rewarding and i enjoy wathcing the results and i guess it made me reflect a bit on my goals and on improving my skills, so i decided to dedicate a bit of my time to myself for a while.2. What attracted you to the Mini class?The Mini is one of the classes that has bred the best solo sailors in the world, it is a place for innovation in design, for close and intense racing at an incredibly high level, and the lack of electronic aids for weather routing and navigation means that it is just about sailing, you have to go back to basics and get them right with no outside help.The budget was also an attraction, a series class campaign budget wise seemed a lot more achievable in a short time.3. What have you found the hardest part of solo sailing so far?The hardest part is not having anyone to back up or verify your decisions; if something is clear it is ok to make a decision, but say for example you want to make a gutsy call on tactics, or to change sail when the conditions are borderline, I think i tend to overthink these decisions and I definetly miss someone to discuss things with and tell me yes good call, or no you are being stupid. A lot of the time i end up talking to myself.4. How are you planning on coping with the Mini Transat and being alone at sea for so long? Do you plan to give your self any time per day to try and have normality….i know some people who have taken a kareoke machine (a very small one) with to blow off steam for half an hour each day.Being at sea for a long time is something that I love and of course it is not the first time I have crossed the Atlantic - this will be my eight crossing and my third alone. The longest time I have spent at sea alone being 58 days. I love the solitude and I love the opportunity to be fully focused on one thing. Yes I sing - when I am happy and to stay awake sometimes, but i would never take a Karoke machine, I have the music in my head.5. Do you have any superstitions about preparation?No i am a very unsuperstitious person, life is complicated enough; just take time and get it right.6. Who is your sailing hero?Tough question - I have a lot. When I was growing up I was very in awe of the Late Sir Peter Blake; but I admire anybody who has a love for the ocean and a determination to make things happen. I have respect for every sailor who will be on the start line of the mini, it is a mission in itself to get here, and many have fallen on the way.7. What is your favourite food to eat while racing? do you take any treats?I LOVE HARIBO! But i also take ‘Le Boite de Bonne’ this is a plastic tub with a mixture of smoked almonds, dried apricots, peanut M and Ms, haribo, caremilised peanuts. this is my pick me up - a reward or a motivator. I gave a version of this to Sam Goodchild before the Solitaire as a good luck present - I think he ate it all in one go!8. Where do you sleep on the boat?Most of the time outside in the cockpit - there is more space and i like to be near everything. If it is really terrible weather sitting on the floor in the middle of the boat by the hatch.9. How long do you expect to sleep per day?Around 3 hrs a day average - if i am going upwind i can sleep for 40 mins a time, if it is honking and i am sailing downwind I will nap for around 10-20 min a time10. What is going to be the biggest challenge for you during the race?Keeping the boat together and not breaking anything, but also keeping the pace on, at the end of the transat boats are finishing within minutes of each other, so being off the pace, even for half and hour will have an effect on my end result.11. Is there anything you do onboard when you’re having bad/good time?If i am cold and tired and miserable I drink tea!12. What music do you listen to onboard? If any…None - I never have, i think it is really important to listen to the boat, often the first sign of a problem is an odd sound, if you are plugged into music you may never hear this. 2011-09-23T13:14:34+00:00