“This marks the beginning of a new adventure. La Rochelle is our first choice as starting point for The Ultimate Solo Challenge. The city has hosted big sailing events in the past and the VELUX 5 OCEANS adds to this heritage. I am sure that many VELUX customers, employees and fans of The Ultimate Solo Challenge are thrilled with this news,” says Michael K. Rasmussen, VELUX CMO.
In the course of the 30,000-mile race, the skippers will cross five oceans alone and make stops on five continents. It begins at in La Rochelle on 17 October 2010 and continues to Africa, Australia, South America and North America before returning to France in May 2011.
“This truly global sports event is a perfect match for the VELUX Company. The sponsorship offers many opportunities to meet and interact with our key partners and customers all around the world. At the same time we hope that this adventure will further strengthen the motivation and team spirit in VELUX.”
Ocean racing in general, and the VELUX 5 OCEANS in particular, has strong links to VELUX, supporting the company brand and reflecting core values like daylight and fresh air and durability.
“VELUX roof windows and the skippers of the VELUX 5 OCEANS are indeed known to fight the elements of nature. Be it roof windows or sailing boats, our VELUX family and the skippers of the VELUX 5 OCEANS rely on highly durable products to keep them dry and safe,” concludes Michael K. Rasmussen.
VELUX 5 OCEANS – The Ultimate Solo Challenge
The VELUX 5 OCEANS is the oldest and most established, single-handed, round-the-world yacht race. With a rich sporting heritage, the race has been contested every four years since 1982, previously under the names of BOC Challenge and more recently Around Alone. The VELUX 5 OCEANS demands the ultimate in human endeavour; the number of people who have climbed Mount Everest or travelled to the moon by far exceeds those who have completed a solo circumnavigation.
In 2006, the race celebrated its 25th anniversary and established a special partnership with the title sponsor VELUX. Over the years, the race has consistently attracted a wide array of entries from around the globe, making heroes of many celebrated yachtsmen and women, including Mike Golding, Philippe Jeantot, Giovanni Soldini, Jean-Luc van den Heede, Isabelle Autissier, Bernard Stamm and Emma Richards.
www.velux5oceans.com