Thanks to Vicky for this update on Island-based yachtsman, Brian Thompson. Best of luck to Brian from all at VB. Ed
Brian Thompson joined skipper Sidney Gavignet and his crew onboard Musandam-Oman Sail for the official start to the Multi One Championship on Saturday.
Thompson joined a crew comprising of three international and two Omani sailors to compete in the transatlantic KRYS OCEAN RACE from New York to Brest, France – the first official race in the Multi One Championship 2012 – 2014 programme.
Racing against former crewmates
For Thompson, this will be the first time he has returned to the French port of Brest since crossing the finish line of Jules Verne Trophy on the maxi trimaran, Banque Populaire V, and smashing the world speed record for a lap of the planet on-board a yacht earlier this year.
In fact, during the KRYS OCEAN RACE, Thompson will be racing against several of his former Banque Populaire V crewmates, which may give him some tactical insights. Musandam-Oman Sail will be lining up against four other competitors, all with considerable experience and skills.
Communication is key
Speaking after Thursday’s prelude racing in New York where Musandam-Oman Sail reached the semi-finals, Thompson said, “We were up against teams with America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race experience so did outstandingly well to come away with two victories. It was a good exercise in working together when the pressure is really on – and today we reached speeds of 28 knots in 18 knots of wind, so the sail changes, in fact everything, had to be done incredibly quickly which was pretty hard.
“Communicating in those pressure situations is difficult but it is very important to learn to communicate well so it was great practice. We all freshened up on our boat handling skills so hopefully we will be able to give a good account of ourselves when the race gets underway.”
Looking ahead at the conditions for the transatlantic sprint, Thompson said:
“Initially we are looking at three days of downwind sailing, which will be intense, before we move into reaching conditions and then several hundred miles upwind, so both crew and boat will be put through their paces. It’s going to be a fast sprint across the Atlantic!”
Musandam-Oman Sail will arrive in Brest just in time for the famous maritime festival, Tonnerres de Brest on Bastille Day (14th July).
