Pindar withdraws

Liz Wardley and Jeanne Gregoire will not race Transat Jacques Vabre

Pindar have today announced the withdrawal of their Transat Jacques Vabre 2005 IMOCA Open 60 entry. Pindar Alphagraphics was to be co-skippered by accomplished sailors Liz Wardley and Jeanne Gregoire, however limited preparation time has prevented the campaign from going ahead.

The opportunity of racing what is considered to be one of the fastest Open 60 monohulls in existence, was first proposed to the two Figaro sailors, both of whom are new to the Open 60 Class, in late August 2005. The project was supported and funded by Pindar and by Offshore Challenges Sailing Team.

Following a successful 1000 mile qualifier last week, the team met to debrief after their first major offshore sail on board Pindar Alphagraphics but concluded that, despite making excellent progress, the team was just not ready enough to take on the demanding Transat Jacques Vabre race.

Liz and Jeanne issued a joint statement: “It’s a real shame that we won’t be competing having come so far - a month more and we think we could have got there. It’s been a great experience though and we’re very grateful to both Andrew Pindar and Offshore Challenges Sailing Team for all their support. Together we have given it our all, but we’re not in the business of doing compromised campaigns, so it was felt by everyone involved, that the best solution was to keep the powder dry for a future event.”

Andrew Pindar, Chairman of the Pindar Group, commented: “Naturally we share in the girls’ disappointment but they should feel extremely proud of everything they have achieved over the last few months. As with many sailing campaigns, half the challenge is to make it to the start line, but there will be other opportunities and we hope to see them both on board Pindar Alphagraphics in the near future. In the meantime, we wish them both the best of luck for their ongoing Figaro campaigns.”

Meanwhile Offshore Challenges Sailing Team retains a strong interest in the Transat Jacques Vabre race with Brian Thompson and Will Oxley racing the Skandia Open 60 and Ellen MacArthur paired up with Roland Jourdain on Sill et Veolia - both boats capable of a podium finish.