Nannini set for Route de Rhum

by . Published Fri 18 Jun 2010 10:35

A city banker and rising amateur sailor is set to follow in the wake of Ellen MacArthur by competing in one of the world's toughest ocean races.

Marco Nannini will be launching his solo assault on the Route de Rhum – a “legendary” transatlantic single-handed yacht race that takes place every four years – this November.

The 3,800 nautical mile race is regarded as one of the most challenging events in the sailing calendar but, remarkably, Nannini, 32, only started sailing offshore four years ago.

The Italian-born skipper, who has lived in London for the last 10 years, is being sponsored for the event by employer UniCredit and says the bank's support has been crucial in deciding to enter the event.

He said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have entered the Route du Rhum. This classic French race has seen all the best sailors take part over the years and now it'll be my chance to be on the starting line - it's a dream come true.

“UniCredit's contribution towards new sails and equipment has been very important to see this project off the ground.”

The “gruelling” course of the Route de Rhum is based on the old rhum routes between St Malo in Brittany, France, and the West Indian island of Guadalupe.

Competitors must single-handedly contend with fierce storms on the Atlantic Ocean, as well as sleep deprivation and exposure. French sailor Alain Colas was lost at sea during the inaugural race, in 1978.

According to Nannini, the list of past winners reads like a “who's who of sailing”. Among them are British sailor Dame Ellen MacArthur, who won her class in 2002 aboard “Kingfisher”.

Nannini says he is looking to make his own mark on the race, despite only sailing solo for the first time in 2006.

He said: “With a distance of 3,800 nautical miles, the Route de Rhum race will undoubtedly be one of the greatest sailing challenges of my life.

“November is a tough time of the year to sail into the Atlantic. With the winter storms approaching, we’ll have to hope for a safe exit of the infamous Bay of Biscay before reaching the friendlier trade winds further south”

“I will only be able to catch small amounts of sleep and will be physically and mentally exhausted by the time I arrive in Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe.

“But pushing the limits of human endurance and ability is what the Route de Rhum is all about and I can't wait to take part in such a prestigious event.”

Nannini has already had experience of crossing the Atlantic, entering and winning his class in the 3,000 nautical mile single-handed transatlantic OSTAR (Original Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race) race between Plymouth and Newport, Rhode Island, in 2009.

For the Route de Rhum, he will be competing against professionals in the Class 40 section, having used his life savings to buy a “state-of-the-art” Akilaria Class 40 boat, which will be named “UniCredit” for the race.

Since obtaining the 40ft boat in March, Nannini has been busy testing its capabilities and will be putting it through its paces during the 1,800-mile off-shore Round Britain and Ireland Race organised by the Royal Western Yacht Club which set off from Plymouth last Sunday (June 6).

“This will be a good way of getting to know my way around the boat and see just what she is capable of,” said Nannini, who will be competing double-handed with yachting partner Paul Peggs.

In the long-term, Nannini has set his sights on the round-the-world Global Ocean Race (GOR), which takes place in September, 2011.

He has already entered the GOR and says challenges such as Route de Rhum will hone his skills in readiness for the 30,000 nautical mile “odyssey”.

Antonella Massari, Head of Group Identity & Communications, UniCredit Group - a major international financial institutions - said:

“UniCredit is proud to be present in such a high profile and challenging sporting event. The level of expertise and dedication shown by the sailors in this competition is truly inspiring.

“Of course we are also very pleased to support one of our own in his remarkable quest to reach his goal.”

The last Route de Rhum took place in 2006, when British skipper Phil Sharp won the then debuting Class 40 section in a time of 18 days and 10 hours setting the benchmark for the upcoming 2010 race.

Photos: Enrico Vazzoler

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