As previously reported on yachtingworld.com (see news story here) ABN AMRO One are preparing to compete in the Caribbean Big Boat Series, which kicks off tomorrow Thursday 1 March with the Heineken St Maarten Regatta.

It is confirmed that the Volvo Ocean Race winner ABN AMRO One, skippered by Kiwi Mike Sanderson, will race in the inaugural Commodores Cup in St Maarten, and given the right weather conditions will also attempt the Round the Island monohull record, held by Brunel Synergy for the past six years.

Mike Sanderson is joined by sailors from the ABN AMRO team including ABN AMRO One crew Brad Jackson (NZ), Justin Slattery (IRE) and Frenchman Sidney Gavignet, as well as ABN AMRO Two bowman Simeon Tienpont (NL) and renowned navigator Mike Quilter (NZ). The crew will also be joined by Mike’s wife, solo round the world yachtswoman, Emma Sanderson (née Richards), as well as Team ABN AMRO shore crew members and guests.

With ABN AMRO One docked outside the St Maarten Yacht Club, many spectators and passers-by have been admiring the Volvo 70.

Skipper Mike Sanderson commented: “It’s fantastic to bring ABN AMRO One to the Caribbean. Hopefully we’ll get some good breeze and really be able to show what the boat can do. We are really looking forward to getting out there and enjoying some good racing in the warm waters of St Maarten.”

The 27th annual Heineken St Maarten Regatta has confirmed twenty classes and 256 entries.

ABN AMRO ONE crew list:

Mike Sanderson, (NZL) Skipper ABN AMRO ONE

Brad Jackson, (NZL) ABN AMRO ONE

Justin Slattery (IRE) ABN AMRO ONE

Simeon Tienpont (NED) ABN AMRO TWO

Sidney Gavignet (FRA) ABN AMRO ONE

Mike Quilter (NZL) TEAM ABN AMRO

Neil Cox (AUS) shore crew TEAM ABN AMRO

Phil Harmer (AUS)

Jared Henderson (NZL)

John Kostecki (USA)

Chris Nicholson (AUS)

Emma Sanderson (GBR)

Francis Tregaskis (GBR)