Petit Bateau update

Further details of this year's new singlehanded race for those without a 50 or 60footer

Petit Bateau 2004 is gathering momentum with some signed up entries and enquires from potential entrants across Europe, says organiser Paul Peggs.

Petit Bateau 2004 is a singlehanded race run over three legs:
Falmouth to Kinsale (Ireland)
Kinsale to Gijon (Spain)
Gijon to Camaret (France)

The race starts 17 July and is scheduled to take two weeks with 2-3 day stopovers between each leg. The race is aimed at Corinthian sailors and potential professionals at the start of their careers who want serious racing with some fun stopovers.

At present there are seven entries including Jerry Freeman on Alice's Mirror, Paul Peggs on Audacious, Mary Falk on QII and Michel Kleinjans on the Open 40 Roaring Forty.

Petit Bateau 2004 now that three sponsors - Quantum Sails, Euronav and Hyde Sails. "Petit Bateau is very grateful for their assistance with PB2004," says Peggs. "With our sponsors help and the number of confirmed and promised entries, the expected final entry fee should be a very affordable £300 plus deposit for insurance excess."

As another string to its bow the Royal Western Yacht Club will allow the leg from Kinsale to Gijon, approximately 500miles, to count as a qualifying passage for their STAR 2005 race. This is the RWYC's new transatlantic single-handed race held for boats between 30’ and 50’.

Petit Bateau 2004 have teamed up with Mylor Yacht Club to start the event. This will be the event base in Falmouth for all the pre-start activities. The race will be started by Mylor YC and Mylor Yacht Harbour will be providing pre-race berthing at generously discounted rates.

The race organisers, who have completed many short and singlehanded races in the past, include Jerry Freeman, Mary Falk, Charles Allen, Paul Peggs and Mark Orr. All are keen to encourage new blood into the sport. Anybody who has never entered a singlehanded race before and would like to emulate some of the greats like Francis Chichester, Ellen MacArthur and Francis Joyon, but are unsure how to take the first steps towards entering a singlehanded race, are encouraged to contact a race organiser who would be very pleased to chat through the many aspects of this type of racing. Contact Phone numbers can be obtained by emailling PB2004@petitbateau.org.uk

The closing date for entries is looming fast so don’t let this singlehanded race opportunity pass you by!