Dee Caffari and Mike Golding and their teams, Aviva and Ecover, have formed a technical alliance in preparation for the Vendée Globe 2008 single-handed around the world yacht race. Aviva and Ecover have agreed to develop and test their boats together in a quest for optimal performance. The object is to share important technical data on the new Open 60 Yachts. This is a significant step forward for British Sailing as it is the first time two major compeating teams in Ocean Racing have come together to face the competition. The French have dominated the Vendée Globe with five out of five wins.

Newcomer to Ocean 60 racing, Dee Caffari has the most to gain from the partnership. She is seeking to become the first woman to sail the globe in both directions in the Aviva Ocean Racing Campaign. Caffari will benefit from the experience of Mike Golding and the Ecover team. Golding was the first man to sail around the world in both directions and has extensive experience in the Open 60 Class. Up to now Mike Golding’s technical data has been kept very secret. This agreement calls for a structured two boat testing period with the technical transfer of data to improve both vessels.

Mike Golding gave Dee Caffari her first professional sailing job eight years ago. But when the Vendée Globe 2008 Race starts they will be competitors. May the best sailor win!

Thanks to OnEdition for the photos (copyright). The story was provided by World Wide Images for Aviva Challenge.