| Sanderson makes his debut |
| Monday, 31 May 2004 |
Mike Sanderson on the eve of the Transat 2004. Photo credit - Jon Nash
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News Release
31st May 2004
Sanderson makes his solo debut for Pindar AlphaGraphics
Having recently completed the record breaking Transatlantic crossing onboard the 140 foot Mari-Cha IV, Kiwi sailor Mike Sanderson is now setting himself a new challenge.
Sanderson, 33, who is one of the leading all-round yachtsmen in the world today, will set sail today in the Transat 2004 onboard Pindar AlphaGraphics in what is his first ever solo ocean race.
Mike boasts one of the most impressive sailing CV’s in the world. He is the principal helmsman on Mari Cha IV which last year shattered both the transatlantic record and monohull 24 hour distance records. Mike also has 3 America’s Cup campaigns, 2 Whitbread round the world races and numerous other races under his belt.
Sanderson will compete in the 60 foot monohull class of the race sailing in the colours of Pindar AlphaGraphics, the leading print and electronic media company who have sponsored Mike since he joined their sailing team in 2003 and who also sponsor record breaking solo round the world yachtswoman Emma Richards.
Whilst preparing for the Transat, Mike has also been focusing on securing funding for his planned Volvo Ocean Race campaign which he aims to sail with team-mate and fellow Pindar sponsored yachtswoman Emma Richards. The race begins in Vigo, Spain in November 2005.
Mike Sanderson commented “I am really excited about setting out on my first solo Transatlantic crossing. Up till now I have concentrated on crewed races and events but this is the perfect opportunity for me to put all my technical knowledge to the ultimate test. I have a fantastic support team, a fast boat and a great sponsor and I am now itching to get out there and start competing against some of the greatest names in solo sailing.”
Andrew Pindar Chairman of Pindar commented “We are very excited to have Mike sailing in our colours for the Transat. He has a wealth of experience and has done a fantastic job in getting himself and the boat ready for the challenge of sailing the Atlantic solo. I have every confidence in his ability and I know he will do us proud on the water.”
The Transat 2004 starts Monday 31st June at 2pm GMT from Plymouth, UK to Boston, US.
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