Maris confirms Extreme 40 tour

Twins owner to campaign through Volvo Ocean Race stopovers

The organisation of the Extreme 40 Grand Prix Series in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 confirmed the second entry of Team Twins (FRA). The Frenchmen, skippered by Erik Maris, had their Extreme 40 sailing debut during the iShares Cup in Hyeres. This experience challenged them for a follow-up. Twins will line up for all five Grand Prix Series, to be started on October 6th in Alicante / Spain.



Skipper Maris has an extensive background in one-design keelboat racing. In 2006, he won the Mumm 30 World Title and he is also a strong competitor in the Farr 40 fleet. French sailing icon Thierry Fouchier (trimmer onboard Twins) did three America’s Cup campaigns and crewed for Franck Gammas on the Groupama maxi multihulls. Tactician Philippe Mourniac is a well-known cat sailor in France. He was on the French Olympic Team from 1993 through 2000, representing his country in the Tornado class in which he won silver and bronze at World Championships. Mourniac was also involved in several America’s Cup campaigns, whereas bowman Eric Quesnel was part of K-Challenge. The four crew members teamed up on the Farr 40 before, so the team work and spirit are there.

'We are happy to announce the second entry. The two participants so far reflect the current development of the class. Team Holmatro was the first competitor ever and is still there. Twins is one of the latest teams and also crewed by professional top sailors with Multihull and keelboat experience on the highest level. We expect more entries soon', said Herbert Dercksen, Chief Executive Officer of TornadoSport.

The Extreme 40 Grand Prix Series are organized by TornadoSport Sailing Entertainment in conjunction with Volvo Event Management UK Ltd. The event will be held during the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 as part of the in-port entertainment. After the start in Alicante, the Extreme 40 fleet will continue racing in Singapore (January), Qingdao / China (February), Boston / USA (May) and finally in Stockholm / Sweden (June).