8:25 PM Sun 7 Feb 2010 GMT Global Ocean Race With 580 days until the start of the Global Ocean Race 2011-12, entry #12 for the double-handed circumnavigation is from New Zealand. In common with three other confirmed entries from the UK, USA and Europe, the Kiwi skipper has chosen to keep his powder dry and wishes to remain anonymous until his campaign is fully formulated. The young and rising pro-sailor - a university graduate with crucial, shorthanded offshore racing experience - intends to announce further details shortly. This latest entry reserves a second slot for New Zealand on the start line in October 2011 following the entry last autumn of Lapo Ancillotti and BT Boat's Class40 - the Kiwi 40FC - from Farr Yacht Design/Cookson Boats and brings the Global Ocean Race fleet to 60 percent of capacity. 'New Zealand is showing a very strong presence in the Global Ocean Race,' comments Josh Hall, the event's Race Director. 'This highly talented and motivated professional sailor will undoubtedly be looking to win. The level of competition in the race is going to be intense and fascinating to watch,' he adds. Teams: Nico Budel Crew Type: Double Vessel Type: Class 40 Dutch sailor Nico Budel will sail his Class 40 'Sec Hayai' around the world. At 71 he could well be the oldest sailor in the Global Ocean Race 2011-12. Adrian Kuttel Crew Type: Double Vessel Type: Class 40 South African Adrian Kuttel is 37 years old and has been a lifelong sailor which is no surprise as he is the son of Padda Kuttel who owned and skippered 'Atlantic Privateer' in the Whitbread Round the World Race. Raised on the beautiful Western Cape shores of South Africa, racing around the world on a sailboat has been a long-held dream for Adrian. Patrice Carpentier Crew Type: Double Vessel Type: Class 40 The first French team to sign-up for the race, Groupe 5, is headed by offshore sailing legend and writer - Patrice Carpentier Alex Alley and David Thomson Crew Type: Double Vessel Type: Class 40 Alex Alley has a long and diverse background in inshore and offshore racing. With Ocean Yachtmaster and RYA Instructor qualifications, he has represented the UK in the 1 Tonner Class, completed a round-the-world race as watch leader on board Team Stelmar in the 2004-05 Global Challenge. To Be Announced - USA Crew Type: Double Vessel Type: Class 40 An entry is confirmed from the Northeast USA with a CEO and entrepreneur in 'green' technology and energy efficiency reserving a guaranteed place on the startline. To Be Announced - UK Crew Type: Double Vessel Type: Class 40 The format and framework of the Global Ocean Race 2011-12 appears to have an irresistible appeal for those who mix offshore sailing with journalism and the first British entry comes from a high-profile, yachting magazine publisher with extensive offshore racing experience. Michel Kleinjans Crew Type: Double Vessel Type: Class 40 Winner of the 2008-09 Portimão Global Ocean Race single-handed class and Belgian Yachtsman of the Year 2008, Michel Kleinjans, has confirmed his entry in the Global Ocean Race 2011-12 and raises the total to seven teams from six nations. Jacques Fournier and Jean-Edouard Criquioche Crew Type: Double Vessel Type: Class 40 President of the Class40 Association, Jacques Fournier, announced that he is entering the Global Ocean Race 2011-12. His co-skipper, Treasurer of the Class40 Association, Jean-Edouard Criquioche, will be joining Fournier for the 33,000 mile circumnavigation in two years time. The pair have co-owned and co-skippered their current Pogo 1 Class40 for some time already. BTBoats Crew Type: Double Vessel Type: Class 40 BTBoats Ltd of New Zealand have an entry spot in the Global Ocean Race 2011-12 for at least one Kiwi 40FC, their Farr designed Cookson built production Class40. 'We have secured a place on the start line for one of our boats as a 'works entry',' said Lapo Ancillotti of BTBoats Ltd. 'This race inspired us to create the Kiwi 40FC and we will field an entry in this fantastic event. Lenjohn van der Wel Crew Type: Double Vessel Type: Class 40 Bahamas-based South African sailor Lenjohn van der Wel confirmed his Team Entry in the 2011-12 Global Ocean Race. To Be Announced - Europe Crew Type: Double Vessel Type: Class 40 The 11th entry in the Global Ocean Race 2011-12 was confirmed by the team's skipper just before Christmas 2009. This high-profile European entry wishes to remain anonymous, but will be announcing details of their project in early 2010. The campaign already has a boat, team and funding in place and will be mounting a very serious bid to win the Global Ocean Race 2011-12. To Be Announced - New Zealand Crew Type: Double Vessel Type: Class 40 With 580 days until the start of the Global Ocean Race 2011-12, entry #12 for the double-handed circumnavigation is from New Zealand. http://portimaorace.com by Oliver Dewar

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