Mike Golding enters Velux 5 Oceans

Big names create big events. It’s a truth with some modifications, but when it comes to round the world sailing it’s the deal that makes it real.

The Velux 5 Oceans, former Around Alone, has been regarded as a B-event in the sailing community for years. It has not managed to draw neither the sailing stars nor a title sponsor. But now things have been starting to change and Clipper Ventures seems to have a very good grip on the event. During Americas Cup acts in Malmö, Sweden last year the organizers used the presence of the entire sailing media community to launch their title sponsor. That was one smart PR-move.

Today the news that Mike Golding will participate broke. They already have Bernard Stamm, Conrad Humphreys and Alex Thomson on the entry list. If these guys can get some more IMOCA 60 skippers on the start line in Bilbao in October, we have the potential off a great round the world regatta. The fact that the Velux 5 Oceans also draws a lot of other characters and up-and coming sailors to the scene gives the race yet another interesting story to tell. We absolutely love the fact that the race has been quick to adopt WebTV.