Mike Sanderson qualifies for the Transat 2004
Friday, 09 April 2004
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At 12.30am GMT today, Mike Sanderson onboard the Open 60 Pindar AlphaGraphics, completed his 750 mile qualification passage for the Transat 2004. Sanderson joined the Pindar team last year when he took part in the Transat Jaques Vabre with Emma Richards. He will now compete for the leading international print and electronic media company once more in what is the world's most historic single - handed race. On Tuesday 6th April at 13.00 GMT Mike left from Gosport, UK to a waypoint 400 miles out mid-Atlantic. Mike spent much of the first day navigating the busy shipping lanes of the English Channel and winds of 35 knots. On Wednesday morning the boat experienced some technical difficulties when a problem was discovered with the canting keel. It transpired that a seal had blown in the hydraulic ram which caused 10 litres of hydraulic fluid to leak into the boat. Mike was, however, able to use a pin to lock the keel in the centre of the boat and complete the passage. For Mike, 32, from New Zealand, the Transat will be his first solo ocean race, however, he is a highly skilled and experienced sailor and has been part of a large number of high profile and successful sailing campaigns. Most recently he was helmsman on Mari Cha IV when they smashed the Transatlantic speed record. With just over 7 weeks to go till the start Mike will continue with training and boat testing to ensure that Pindar Alphagraphics is ready for the start in Plymouth on the 31st May.

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