Final preparations

Prior to tomorrow prologue race in Stockholm for the Archipelago Raid

Teams from 10 countries have today been gathering in Stockholm, Sweden in preparation for the 7th Archipelago Raid that starts with a prologue race from Stockholm on Sunday, 29 July, and will take teams through the unique and spectacular Swedish, Åland and Finnish archipelago.

With less than a day to go till the prologue race of the event it is down to final preparations, as the teams get ready for what lies ahead. From all corners of the planet teams have congregated to take on the best in the business at this extreme race through beauty on F18 catamarans.

For 13 rookie teams in the event it is going to be a baptism of fire as the weather forecast predicts 12-15 knots of wind, which will ensure an exciting first day’s racing. For all the teams there is a mixture of excitement and trepidation about what lies ahead but the atmosphere is upbeat and all are looking forward to getting out into the Archipelago.

Thomas Johanson (FIN) of the Catella Racing team commented: "I have heard great stories about this event and seen it on the TV so I am really looking forward to the challenge. We decided this winter to do some training for this event and our aim is to have fun and beat as many boats as we can!!"

Matthew Flynn and Chris Middleweek (NZ) added: "We have heard that this is a really nice place to come sailing. We are, for sure, a little bit crazy as we have come all the way from New Zealand to be here but we think it is going to be a great event. We have lots of people at home watching so we are going to have to finish."

Thibault Vauchel from Team Brossard (FRA) gave his views: "I am really happy to come back again – this time with a new crew. We are looking forward to taking pleasure in the environment we are sailing and hopefully not paddling so much…!!"

Archipelago Raid Race Director Christine Salen said: "We now have all the teams here and we are down to the final countdown. Everyone is really excited about getting out into the Archipelago and for those that have not been here before or competed in this race they really have a great 5 days ahead. There is no doubt the conditions are looking quite tough at this stage but that is what makes this race so unique - it should be a great event."

The event will be preceded with a prologue race from Stockholm city centre to Björnö on Sunday 29 July 2007. The official start is at Björnö a pristine island not far from downtown Stockholm. It is one of Stockholm’s finest beaches in the Archipelago and makes Björnö one of the Archipelago Foundation’s most visited areas.