Four additional entries have been received for the 2007/08 Global Ocean Challenge including Belgium sailor Michel Kleinjans who has entered the singlehanded 40-foot division.

Kleinjans, a veteran of two OSTAR races and the current holder of the solo around Britain and Ireland record, will compete aboard his Open 40 Roaring Forty.

In the single-handed 50-foot division French sailor Jacques Bouchacourt has entered with his Open 50 Okami. Bouchacourt finished third in the 2005 The Transat and will compete head-to-head in the GOC against his old rival from The Transat, Joe Harris, who has already entered the Global Ocean Challenge aboard the Open 50 Gryphon Solo.

Two Class 40 entries have been received. Dutch sailor Lenjohn van der Wel is contemplating a solo entry but may consider going doublehanded with his brother Paidaer. Both sailors are superyacht skippers with Lenjohn getting his first exposure to solo sailing as shore crew for Around Alone legend Bertie Reed.

A South African duo also inspired by Reed have entered the 40-foot double-handed division. Maxi-cat sailor Nick Leggatt and America’s Cup pitman Solomon Dipeere have announced that they will field an education-based entry focusing on mathematics and science. Leggatt was crew aboard Cheyenne when they set the non-stop around-the-world record in 2004 and more recently navigated Daedalus to second place in the Oryx Quest 2005. Dipeere, a mechanical engineer by training, is currently serving as pitman aboard the South African America’s Cup entry Team Shosholoza. During the race the duo plan to harness satellite power to create a living classroom for young South Africans participating in the program.

According to the organisers the level of interest in the Global Ocean Challenge remains extremely high with 75 competitors from 12 countries registering their intent to compete. For more information visit www.gochallenge.net.