Crew swap

Miranda Merron forced to pass on her Class 40 ride for the Transat Jacques Vabre to Anne Liardet

Peter Harding, owner of the Class 40, 40 Degrees will now race this November's Transat Jacques Vabre with French sailor and Vendee Globe competitor Anne Liardet. This follows Miranda Merron being forced to stand down from the role due to health issues.

Liardet and Merron competed in the last edition of the race together on the former's then Open 60 Roxy.

"I'm delighted that Anne isable to do this race", commented Miranda. "Even though Peter and Anne haven't sailed together before, I'm sure they'll be fine. Anne is a fantastic person to sail with and is utterly undaunted about taking on someone for their first transatlantic. She'll be a great teacher and will continue this project in the spirit that was originally intended.

Peter Harding added: "I feel very lucky to have access to such good sailors and I feel 100% confident sailing with Anne. Its just a shame that its not Miranda. In just 24 hours my French has already trebled!"

While Merron won't be sailing, she will continue to project manage 40 Degrees with able assistance Alex Sizer and will advise boat owner Peter Harding in all aspects of pre-race planning. Her next race will be the Transat, solo east to west upwind across the north Atlantic in May 2008.