All three to go forward

Artemis Offshore Academy sailors Andrew Baker, Rob Bunce and Robin Elsey all to contest La Solitaire

The Artemis Offshore Academy has confirmed that all three of its latest recruit will compete in this year's Solitaire du Figaro – Eric Bompard Cachemire, starting on 31 May from Bordeaux (and visiting Torquay over 17-21 June).

Now two races into the season, Andrew Baker, Rob Bunce and Robin Elsey have proved their potential ahead of the four leg 2185 mile long race, having this weekend finished an intense week of coastal and offshore racing in the Solo Maître Coq. All three have now taken their place on the Rookie podium with Elsey and Baker finishing first and third Rookies overall in the Solo Basse Normandie and Bunce finishing second overall in the Solo Maître Coq. With only Elsey having any shorthanded experience prior to joining the Artemis Offshore Academy, the sailors have progressed well in training and showed potential in Figaro circuit against both their fellow first timers.

“The aim of the Academy has always been to see its Rookie competitors on the Rookie podium,” Artemis Offshore Academy Sailing Team Manager Charles Darbyshire explained. “Rob, Robin and Andrew have all proved in their first two races that they are capable of doing this and I’m sure if all goes well in the Solitaire, we could see any one of them matching the great performances put in by our past British Rookies Jack Bouttell and Sam Matson (1st and 2nd Rookies in 2013 and 2014). Thanks to the help and support from everyone working with the Academy and its sailors this season, Rob, Andrew and Robin have developed far enough to be worthy of a place, representing the Artemis Offshore Academy on the Solitaire du Figaro start line in just over a months time.”

Already on a high from his Solo Maître Coq podium position, Bunce was excited at the thought of representing the UK in La Solitaire starting in one month's time: “I’ve worked really hard to get to this point in my sailing and to have finished on the Rookie podium and be told I’m competing in the Solitaire du Figaro all in one weekend is a great feeling. I’m potentially the youngest Rookie to take part in the race, but age is just a number and I hope I can do well, stay in contention and do the Artemis Offshore Academy proud. Without the support of the Academy, I would not be about to race a 2185 mile solo race!”

The 46th Solitaire du Figaro will this year start in Bordeaux, France on 31 May, and over the course of one month will visit Sanxenxo, Spain-La Cornouaille, France-Torbay, UK before concluding in Dieppe, France.

Growing up just along the coast from Torbay in Truro, Cornwall, earning his place on the Solitaire entry list was a proud moment for Elsey: “It will be a really special moment for me, sailing with the Solitaire du Figaro into Torbay. I grew up and learned to sail in the south west, and having my friends and family waiting for me on home soil will be all the motivation I need to sail as fast as I can over the first three legs to get Torquay Harbour. I can’t wait to be a part of the race.”

Born and bred in Northern Island, Andrew Baker relocated to Cowes in 2013 to pursue his offshore sailing dream. Being told his name will be on the Solitaire du Figaro entry list was the realisation of 15 years of dedication and commitment to sailing for him: “Yhe Solitaire du Figaro is the ultimate test of mind, body and tactical skill. I’ve put so much energy and passion into sailing over the years and to compete in the Solitaire really is the epitome of what I’ve been working towards. I will feel very proud to represent the Artemis Offshore Academy and Northern Island in the race,” he said.

With two races down, there is now just one to go – the Solo Concarneau Trophee Guy Cotten starting on Thursday 7 May - before the main event.