Vendee Globe 2016?

[ryley]

Coming back from a trip to Maine, I found this in Marblehead Harbor:

And I found this online. Hope he makes it to the start line.

http://curtana38.wordpress.com/about/great-american-iv/

 

[Maxion]

Always fun to see international participants!

 

[ryley]

Stupid picpaste. picture here, too:

 

[Jonathan Green]

Had an amazing time sailing with Rich up to Portland this weekend. Incredible boat with enormous power. I have so much respect for the skippers who single hand these things around the world.

 

[Roleur]

This is the old Mirabaud?

 

[ryley]

Had an amazing time sailing with Rich up to Portland this weekend. Incredible boat with enormous power. I have so much respect for the skippers who single hand these things around the world.

surprised it's not on your list, greeny. Did you happen to pass toothface 2 on your way up? because he was on his way down about the same time.

 

[Jonathan Green]

This is the old Mirabaud?

Yes. Listing found here.

Had an amazing time sailing with Rich up to Portland this weekend. Incredible boat with enormous power. I have so much respect for the skippers who single hand these things around the world.

surprised it's not on your list, greeny. Did you happen to pass toothface 2 on your way up? because he was on his way down about the same time.

But of course it's on my list. No, Brian Harris of Maine Yacht Center delivered Toothface the prior day so we didn't pass him Saturday. Unfortunately for him, he had it on the nose all the way down so didn't have nearly the fun we did. BTW, Brian and MYC are very clearly establishing themselves as the go-to guys for proper race boats on the east coast. Absolute Pro.

 

[r.finn]

Is Rich the skipper or CEO of the project?

 

[Jonathan Green]

Is Rich the skipper or CEO of the project?

Both, plus lots more rolls on top of that I would imagine. An American campaign, by definition, involves economies, so it's likely that many hats will be worn by all involved.

 

[Haji]

Nice! Go Rich!

 

[Icedtea]

Good job! getting the boat is half the battle.

He;s a good guy, here's hoping he can do it again

 

[jakedimare]

Like!

 

[Vogel515]

Wish I had seen this post a few weeks ago. I sailed by on a viper a few weeks back and did some research. Bought his book shortly after and now I'm 2/3s through it. I'd highly recommend it.

The program he operates seems like a very noble cause, good for sailing and good for kids.

http://www.sitesalive.com/

Will be rooting for this guy.

 

[RockHead]

Rich told me in January at the Chicago Boat Show he was planning on going again in '16. Read his book on the flight home. I just saw the boat in the harbor on Sunday for the first time. Glad to see it coming together!

I'll be cheering for all of them, but especially for Rich.

 

[Jonathan Green]

Glad to see it coming together!

The boat's actually coming apart this week, literally. We sailed GA4 back to Portland Sunday night so Maine Yacht Services can pull the mast, drop the keel and get it into the shed for some TLC this winter. If it weren't for OSTAR, I'd say the time I've had on board with Rich his summer was the highlight of the year.

In other Vendee news, Ryan Breymaier officially threw his hat in the ring. Here's wishing him the best of luck acquiring sponsors and funding! Same for Ronnie Simpson - would be incredible to see all these guys on the line in 2016.

 

[Vogel515]

Hey Jon - is there any where we can follow along? I saw the bought in Marblehead a few weeks ago, then went and bought the book about the previous Vendee. I'd really like to do whatever I can to follow the campaign. Hell, if there are any volunteering opportunities I'd be interested.

 

[Speng]

So with the new rules do we reckon grandfathered boats are going to be in high demand?

 

[Nauti Buoy]

I've read both of Alex Thomson's boats are for sale, good buys for a new entrant and looks like he might want to build a new one.

 

[Jonathan Green]

Rich Wilson's Open 60, Great American IV, is almost ready to splash. Spent the day with his team on Saturday and was amazed at how much work and expertise is required to properly setup and maintain these boats.