Graham Tourell – known on the sailing circuit as Gringo – has joined the Artemis Ocean Racing as boat captain and Jonny Malbon’s co-skipper aboard the Artemis Open 60.

Thirty-year-old Tourell who is originally from Nottingham, Midlands and now resides in Southampton has worked for Mike Golding as Project Manager on Ecover for many years. His technical knowledge and experience is second to none. Gringo has ensured that Ecover gained a reputation within the IMOCA circuit for being one of the best-prepared boats on the start line. Tourell’s expertise, from the build of a new boat in New Zealand to the management of every aspect of the boat’s campaign preparation, also included being Golding’s primary contact during his solo races including the last two Vendée Globes.

Over the past few years, Tourell has also gained a great range of sailing experience as both skipper on deliveries and competing onboard Ecover in fully crewed races including the EDS Atlantic Challenge in 2001, the Calais 1000 Mile Race in 2004, the Fastnet 2005 and the Calais Round Britain race in 2003 and 2005. His team has enjoyed great success achieving podium positions in almost every race they competed in.

Tourell commented: “I gained invaluable experience working for Mike Golding’s campaign and have had a great time with the team. I am looking forward to this next challenge, joining the young and motivated Artemis Ocean Racing team. I also really can’t wait to start sailing with Jonny – we are both extremely competitive and driven as well as being good friends, so it is going to be a great experience.”

Malbon, skipper of Artemis Ocean Racing commented: “To say that we are all really excited about having Gringo join us would be an understatement! There’s no doubt that he’ll be an integral part of the team and will raise the level of performance within our team and give those racing against us an extra headache. I’m really looking forward to getting on the boat together and getting stuck in.”