Czech sailor Milan Koláček will line up for the Route du Rhum on Sunday, 1 November, becoming the first Czech skipper ever to take part in the solo transatlantic race from Saint-Malo, France, to Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe.
The race, held every four years, sends some of the world’s best solo sailors across the Atlantic alone, covering roughly 3,500 nautical miles without crew or outside help. Koláček will compete with the Marina 21 logo on his sails.
Largest Class40 fleet in the race
Koláček is entered in the Class40 category, which is the largest fleet in this year’s edition with 49 boats. The level of competition is described as very high, and for many sailors in the class, the Route du Rhum is the highlight of their careers.
A new Mach 40.6 for the Atlantic crossing
He will race a new Mach 40.6 designed by Sam Manuard and built by JPS Production in France. Only about five months passed between signing the contract and launching the boat, a notably short timeframe for a racing yacht. Koláček said he had been dreaming about the project for four years, making the launch a major moment for him.
Koláček says his main goal is to finish the race and acknowledges the strength of the field. He also has previous transatlantic racing experience and says he will fight all the way.
Marina 21 said it is proud to support him again and that seeing its logo on a brand-new Class40 heading into the Atlantic means a great deal to the team.
You can follow Milan and the rest of the fleet live at routedurhum.com.
Source/Photo: Marina 21
