Mike Golding released the following statement today, Wednesday 28 June 2011:

“I’m delighted to announce that I will be rejoining the IMOCA Open 60 circuit in partnership with Gamesa, and will be on the start line for the 2012 Vendée Globe with our newly optimised Owen Clarke IMOCA 60, Gamesa.

Gamesa is the global technology leader in the wind industry and will become Title Partner of the Gamesa Sailing Team with the non-stop, solo around the world race, the Vendée Globe being the primary event of this new sailing partnership.
 
We have a very exciting and busy 18 months ahead, with our first race the two-handed Transat Jacques Vabre from France to Costa Rica in October and a fully crewed Europa Race (a tour of Europe) in May 2012.
 
With Gamesa’s support and our existing infrastructure we are now certain to be able to mount a competitive campaign for the Vendée Globe, which is simply wonderful news. Having enjoyed huge success in the sport, the Vendee Globe remains ‘the event’ I would most love to win and now I have that chance!
 
Having spent the past decade championing environmental products and issues, it’s fantastic that Gamesa’s core business is in renewable energy – an area increasingly critical to performance in competitive round the world yacht racing.
 
Our Owen Clark designed Open 60 is currently undergoing major optimisation work at Green Marine in the UK, with a view to being on the water and sailing again later this summer.

Please join our new Facebook page www.facebook.com/mikegoldingyachtracing so you can be the first to find out about the latest news from the Gamesa Sailing Team.
 
Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to updating you on our progress.”