Around Alone News

French skipper Marc Thiercelin will compete in his 2nd Around Alone.  He was second overall in 1998-99 and had an eventful race including setting a then 24 hour record and a dismasting.  All this within a 2 week period!

According to Mary Ambler of Around Alone Thiercelin had a succinct explanation for choosing Around Alone over the Route Du Rhum, "I thought about doing the Route Du Rhum - but it just isn't long enough...!"

Thiercelin knows all about the 'Long Route'.  His first circumnaviagtion was the 1996-97 Vendee Globe in which he finished 2nd. Again he was 2nd in Around Alone.  He then completed a 2nd Vendee Globe in 4th place.  This will make Around Alone 2002 his 4th time on the Long Route- solo style.

Thiercelin has not secured an Open 60 for the race.  However, early reports indicate that Thiercelin has received positive reaction from sponsors and should have a boat soon.  

Fila the boat which beat Thiercelin in the last Around Alone is on the market.  It would be ironic if Thiercelin were to sail Fila considering his doings with Giovanni Soldini last race.