IMOCA champion to Cowes

Bernard Stamm to compete in the Artemis Challenge in August

Bernard Stamm today confirmed that Cheminées Poujoulat II will be taking on The Artemis Challenge at Skandia Cowes Week. The Swiss skipper, who was crowned IMOCA World Champion in 2007 on the back of his consistently strong performances, announced that he would be taking on his British rivals in the 50-mile charity sprint around the Isle of Wight on 5 August.

Stamm’s entry further diversifies and strengthens the IMOCA fleet that will be competing not only for £10,000 charity prize, but also for the Artemis Challenge Trophy and the chance to beat their fiercest Vendée Globe rivals during the final stages of their preparations before the start of the legendary solo circumnavigation in November.
Bernard Stamm is an exceptional talent in solo offshore racing. He designed and built his first Open 60 in 2000 when he entered the IMOCA circuit. Despite a stunning success in the 2002 Around Alone which saw him crowned IMOCA Champion in 2003, he also suffered bitter disappointment when he was forced out of the 2004 Transat and Vendée Globe.

2006 saw Stamm setting records on board the multihull Orange II, before returning to defend his title in style in the 2007 edition of the Velux 5 Oceans, where he sailed with bravery and speed around the world. On returning to Europe, he launched Cheminees Poujoulat II (the ex- Virbac-Paprec of Jean-Pierre Dick) and went on to claim an impressive second in the Rolex Fastnet Race and third in the double-handed Transat Jacques Vabre.

After extensive work to prepare Cheminees Poujoulat II for the Vendée Globe, Stamm will be ready to take on the likes of Seb Josse, Mike Golding, Dee Caffari and Jonny Malbon in British waters. Speaking from the team’s base in Caen, Stamm commented, “Every opportunity to compete should be seized between now and the Vendée Globe. This crewed tour of the Isle of Wight will allow us to face up to the other IMOCA skippers, dominated by the English of course. I am therefore truly delighted to participate in this challenge.”

The seven boat starting fleet in The Artemis Challenge at Skandia Cowes week currently stands at:
1. Artemis Ocean Racing II, Jonny Malbon (GBR)
2. Artemis Ocean Racing I, Simon Clay (GBR)
3. Aviva, Dee Caffari (GBR)
4. BT, Seb Josse (FRA)
5. Cheminées Poujoulat, Bernard Stamm (SUI)
6. Ecover, Mike Golding (GBR)
7. Pindar, Brian Thompson (GBR)