Class 40s on the rise

10 Class 40s confirmed but 13 are possible.for the Artemis Transat

After two decades in ocean racing, Simon Clarke is fulfilling a lifelong ambition of competing in the world of short-handed sailing. This week Clarke confirmed his Class 40 entry in The Artemis Transat that starts in just over six weeks on Sunday, 11 May.
And it might not end there, as there is the potential for three more Class 40s to enter the fray. British female sailor Miranda Merron completed a very wet and windy 1000-mile race qualifier yesterday after six days to ensure she can officially enter The Artemis Transat once the all-important sponsor has been secured. Experienced French skipper, Patrice Carpentier, and German Boris Hermann are also looking for sponsors to facilitate their participation in the race, although both have paid the necessary 'pre-inscription' to keep the possibility of entry alive.

Class 40 confirmed entries
Appart'City/ Yvan Noblet (FRA)
Custo Pol/ Halvard Mabire (FRA)
Fujifilm/ Alex Bennett (UK)
Groupe Partouche/ Christophe Coatnoan (FRA)
Leclerc Ville la Grande/ Jean-Philippe Saliou (FRA)
Louis Duc (FRA)
Mistral Loisirs-Elior/ Thierry Bouchard (FRA)
Prevoir VIE/ Benoit Parnaudeau (FRA)
Telecom Italia/ Giovani Soldini (ITA)
Clarke Offshore Racing / Simon Clarke (GBR)

Plans for the Race Village at Sutton Harbour, Plymouth are taking shape.

For the thousands of visitors coming to Sutton Harbour, Plymouth for the build-up to the start of The Artemis Transat there will be no shortage of things to do and see, not least the impressive fleet of IMOCA 60s and Class 40s. The race village will open on Saturday, 3 May until Sunday, 11 May and will include exhibitors, a tall ship, an education programme, VIP hospitality suite, media centre and a wide selection of entertainment from the inaugural Barbican Jazz and Blues Festival to street entertainers. The full scale and details of the race village will be unveiled shortly.