Vincent Riou, winner of the 2004/5 Vendée Globe, and Sébastien Josse, fresh from his excellent showing as skipper of ABN AMRO 2 in the Volvo Ocean Race, announced their participation in the two-handed, Barcelona World Race starting 11 November 2007. See previous news story here.

Commenting on the decision to enter the race
Riou said: “I personally think that it will be harder than singlehanded? I still think there are more risks in not doing this race than in doing it. Because the pace of reference for the next Vendée Globe, will not be the one from the Vendée Globe 2004, but the pace from the Barcelona World Race. Skippers that will not have participated in this race may get a bad surprise in the Vendée. One thing for sure, is that everything we will have learnt on this double-handed round the world race will help us for the solo sailing.

Josse added: “Vincent’s project is perfectly managed…the objective is to win the Barcelona World Race. I am sure that the winner of the next Vendée Globe will have participated in this race.”