Estrella Damm presents its boat for the Barcelona World Race 2010

[Source: Barcelona World Race] Guillermo Altadill and Pachi Rivero will be the skippers of the Spanish boat Estrella Damm for the second edition of the Barcelona World Race. The project was presented today.

The Estrella Damm Sailing Team was introduced to the media today by its sponsor, the beer company Estrella Damm, in the Marina Port Vell, Barcelona. Estrella Damm, one of the Barcelona World Race's main sponsors, will once again take part with a boat of its own in the round-the-world double-handed race. The Estrella Damm is to be co-skippered by Barcelona born Guillermo Altadill and Santander born Pachi Rivero. Guillermo crewed with the first Estrella Damm in the 2007/2008 edition of the Barcelona Word Race, together with Jonathan McKee, and Pachi was a crew member with Bubi Sansó of the Mutua Madrileña.

The "new" Estrella Damm in her first sailing tests. Barcelona, 12 July 2009. Video copyright Estrella Damm

The new Estrella Damm, a Bruce Farr's team's design, participated in the last edition of the Vendée Globe and is one of the most powerful IMOCA Open 60s of today’s international fleet. The team just announced a comprehensive programme of technical and sporting tune-ups including participation in the two IMOCA scheduled races: the Istanbul Europa Race, in August/September 2009, and the Transat Jacques Vabre, in November.

During the presentation, Guillermo Altadill expressed his wish to take part in the Barcelona World Race and his determination to sail a good race. “We’ve built all our hopes on the race and we have a good training programme. We are dealing with a great challenge, that can be faced thanks to our sponsor’s support and initiative. I’m certain that Pachi and I will do a great job in the Barcelona World Race.”

On the other hand, Pachi Rivero stressed the toughness of the race, “the route is indeed hard but the thrill of being there makes it less difficult. The fundamental thing is the human factor, my partnership with Guillemo.”

The announcement of the Estrella Damm’s participation follows the confirmation of the the first Barcelona World Race edition winner Jean-Perre Dick's involvement in the race. Prospects are good for the event, which is organized by the Fundació Navegació Oceànica Barcelona and departs on December 31, 2010.

The "new" Estrella Damm in her first sailing tests. Barcelona, 12 July 2009. Photo copyright Jorge Andreu / Estrella Damm

The "new" Estrella Damm in her first sailing tests. Barcelona, 12 July 2009. Photo copyright Jorge Andreu / Estrella Damm