The official launch of the Artemis Transat will take place on 20 February in London. Those attending the London Boat Show yesterday, however, were treated to a preview of the historic race featuring some of sailing’s greats : Ecover skipper Mike Golding (left); Brian Thompson, skipper of Pindar; IMOCA 60 Artemis designer Simon Rogers; and Artemis Ocean Racing skipper Jonny Malbon, who spoke about the launch of the new Artemis IMOCA 60, Britain’s oldest solo race, and why it holds such a unique place in the history of ocean racing.

The race starts on Sunday 11 May 2008 from Plymouth. Up to 40 IMOCA 60 and Class 40 racing yachts are expected to gather at Sutton Harbour, Plymouth for the 13th edition of the race that will see the skippers face 2,800 miles of racing across the North Atlantic to Boston.

Early entrants in the IMOCA Class include Mike Golding, 
Jonny Malbon, 
Dee Caffari, 
Jeremie Beyou and 
Sebastien Josse. In the Class 40 Italy’s favourite sailor Giovanni Soldini has entered Telecom Italia.

For more information, please visit www.theartemistransat.com