The Islander is aiming to become the first person to sail single handedly around the world on a zero-emissions, self-sufficient boat, and as the qualification deadline for November’s event draws near a suitable 60-foot IMOCA vessel, which has completed the round-the-world marathon before, has been found.
The French-based boat was a front-runner in the Vendée Globe in 2012, and Sharp intends to have it on the startline for the Transat – a North Atlantic crossing from Plymouth to New York – on 2 May.
Sharp is working on the project with a number of industry specialists and has raised over 60 per cent of the £1.5 million required for a successful Vendée Globe entry. He now hopes to attract further support from home.
‘We have a good portion pledged for the project, but now we’re opening it up to local businesses in Jersey, as we want to take them around the world as well,’ he said.
Full story in Wednesday’s JEP.
