Booth back

Extreme 40 originator to take over the Holmatro helm from Carolijn Brouwer

Team Holmatro have announced that it is to continue the season with skipper Mitch Booth. The former Olympic Tornado sailor will return to the Extreme 40 class, created by him and his previous sailing partner Herbert Dercksen in 2005. Now four years later, Booth replaces Carolijn Brouwer (BEL). He and his crew aim for podium finishes in the remaining three iShares Cup series of 2009. On Friday August 28, the renewed Team Holmatro will line up for the start in Kiel, Germany.

"Holmatro is the original sponsor that bought the first Extreme 40," said Booth. "They came to the Volvo Ocean Race Grand Prix in 2005-06 and they are still there. I am really happy to come and join them again." He has only a week to prepare for Kiel.

Booth continues: "We have to plan our time as efficiently as possible. Before we start training and working together, we will determine generally what we can do to improve as a team."

On board are the Dutchmen Pim Nieuwenhuis, Mark van Gelderen and Team Delta Lloyd trimmer Ed van Lierde.

For almost three years, Booth and Nieuwenhuis formed an Olympic Tornado duo that won bronze at the 2007 Worlds and finished fifth at the 2008 Olympics. "Pim and I spent together many hours on the water," said Booth. "I also sailed with Mark on the first Holmatro, so that helps in building a team. The skills of the individuals are fantastic, so it is a matter of co-ordinating them."

Of their goals for the rest of the season, Booth said: "We haven't discussed this collectively yet, but hopefully we can get some podium finishes in this year's iShares Cup. There are three/four teams dominating the fleet, so it is our target to mix with them."

Earlier this season, Booth replaced the injured BT helmsman Darren Bundock (AUS) in Hyeres and Cowes. That gave him the opportunity to have a taste of today's racing circuit in the iShares Cup.

Of the circuit Booth says: "The concept and format have remained the same, but the rest is quite a lot different. The level of competition has changed dramatically. The iShares Cup is a professional circuit like the America's Cup and TP52 with full time sailors, shore crews and year-round training."

However, the current format of the Extreme 40 class is similar to the original set-up, to Booth's satisfaction: "The principles of fifth man during the competition, sprint style races and short courses close to the shore and public are still in place. I am really happy that the same vision is maintained today."

Team Holmatro is in ninth position on the overall leaderboard. From August 28-30, the Dutch quartet comes into action in Kiel.