Henry Bomby
Henry Goes Global
It is 4 months until the first race on the Figaro Circuit 2013, and 7 months until the start of La Solitaire du Figaro, the effective World Championship of offshore sailing.
Whenever you put something into a timeline like that, and work backwards and figure out exactly what needs to be done between now and then, it’s soon becomes a scary prospect! So while my long term ambition of competing in the Vendée Globe 2020 may seem like a very long way off, there is a huge amount to do between now and getting on that start line in just under 8 years time.
For those of you that don’t know about the Vendée Globe, it is a very special race and unlike any other race in the world. Starting in Les Sables d’Olonne in the Vendée region of France, the race is single handed, nonstop and without assistance, visiting all corners of the globe, before arriving back to Les Sables d’Olonne 3 months later. It is the pinnacle of offshore racing, human adventure, endurance and endeavour and the peak of performance, design and reliability. Over 3,000 people have climbed Everest, 500 have been to outer space, yet less than 100 have ever sailed single handed, nonstop and around the world - let alone raced around, let alone won - inspiring stuff.
So working backwards, in order to be ready on that start line, with a competitive and reliable boat which can see me take on the best in the world, nonstop for 3 months, I will naturally need quite a bit of time to prepare. Entry to the race closes around 6 months before the start, but there is no way you could put together a last minute entry and be competitive. It might be cheaper, but it would also leave you massively under prepared, which essentially with a race like this, is just plain dangerous!
By the end of 2017 - early 2018, I need to have found a sponsor, a boat and have a team in place to start working towards the Vendée goal – ideally even earlier if possible for a first time entry.
There is a nonstop double handed round the world race called the Barcelona World Race at the end of 2018, which would provide a fantastic shorter term goal, a greater return for a sponsor and an opportunity for me to get to know the boat. It would be a complete dummy run with the team - from preparing for the race, activating PR and marketing, to me experiencing what it is like to race nonstop for that long in some of the world’s harshest environments. All in order to learn enough for the big one in 2 years time, albeit with an extra pair of hands along the way!
But to be able to take part in the Barcelona World Race and the Vendée Globe, I need to be able to attract a multi-million pound sponsor; but how do you do that? Now there’s a million dollar question if ever you saw one. Well not only do you need the results and a diverse set of sailing skills behind you, but also a profile and understanding of how the media and marketing world works in order to generate a big enough return for your sponsor. For instance, we’ve seen huge change in just the last 2 years within the world of social media and how that can generate global coverage for a sponsor - Felix and his space jump with Red Bull being just one example. There are undoubtedly going to be quite a few changes to keep on top of between now and start day.
A good way of building the profile as a RTW sailor is to have done it a few times before, obviously! And the Volvo Ocean Race is a fantastic opportunity to do that. As a fully crewed, stopping, round the world race, it provides opportunities to learn and develop your skills alongside the very best sailors in the world, without the need to find millions of pounds in order to do so. There is one in 2014/15 and 2017/18.
Fortunately there is a rule within the Volvo that a certain number of crew must be under the age of 30 at the start of the race, giving young sailors a fantastic opportunity to get a foot on the ladder. There are also rumours that this may also change to one under 25 and one under 30 for the next race, potentially giving younger guys like myself and others within the Artemis Offshore Academy an even better chance of getting selected for one of the teams.
But in order to do that, I need to be competing at the highest level and be doing well, to prove I am one of the best U25 or U30 sailors in the world. And there is no better place for that than the Figaro Circuit - which brings me back to 4 months from now for the first race on the circuit, and 7 months from now, for the start of La Solitaire du Figaro.
I currently have no boat, no sponsor and need to raise £60 000 between now and the end of this year in order to carry out the required training to put myself in a good position to perform well next season.
If you are interested in getting involved, or know of anyone who might be, there are a number of ways you can become a part of the journey, from offering help in your particular profession, skill or expertise, to financial help as well.
To help raise the £60 000 for next season, I am currently looking for a title sponsor to come onboard the project for £30 000. If this is of interest, then why not get in touch and we can come up with ways to tailor the project around your specific aims and objectives.
For those wishing to help in a smaller way, I am running a Supporters Club where individuals and local businesses and organisations can become a part of the team for 2013. For just £2,000 you will have the opportunity to join the start of La Solitaire du Figaro race at the beginning of June, be invited to complimentary meals at the ‘UK’s Best Restaurant 2012’ - The Seahorse Restaurant in Dartmouth - thanks to Supporters Club member Mitch Tonks as well as have the chance to race onboard the boat for a day at Dartmouth Regatta and Cowes Week.•
twitter: @henrysailing
First Published December 2012 By The Dart