Armchair sailing with the virtual Vendée Globe sailing race while Europe sits out second wave of lockdowns

GAC Pindar customers, colleagues, suppliers, friends and fans are invited to join the World Sailing Trust Challenge ‘Race for Change’ within the forthcoming virtual Vendée Globe sailing race. The challenge, the first of its kind, will be held on Virtual Regatta Offshore for the duration of the real-life race which starts on Sunday 8 November, with a portion of the proceeds going to the World Sailing Trust.

Andrew Pindar, Founding Partner of GAC Pindar said, “As Official Supplier to World Sailing, we provide freight forwarding services to Member National Authorities and have worked tirelessly to bring together nations and their logistics requirements in order to reduce costs for our customers. As 2020 draws to a close what better way to bring our extended sailing family together for a bit of competitive fun by taking part in this esailing event – and we can support the incredible work at the World Sailing Trust at the same time.”

Sailing fans can take part in the virtual regatta, testing tactics against the professional sailors, with real time wind data. Players can start practising now by logging onto Virtual Regatta Offshore, using the password ‘WST2020’ to enter the race. Using this will grant you access to a custom branded World Sailing Trust and World Sailing boat. “World Sailing partners will also feature on each boat, including GAC Pindar, so the Arctic Tern will begin further laps of the planet this coming Sunday – this time virtually, sailed by the GAC Pindar global community,” continued Andrew Pindar. “I can’t wait to watch everyone battling it out virtually against the professionals.”

The ‘Pindar’ name has been sailed around the world an incredible seven times on various campaigns, including a team entry in the 2004 BT Global Challenge and in 2008 edition of the Vendée Globe Race, with Brian Thompson at the helm of the team’s revolutionary Juan Kouyoumdjian designed Open 60 racing yacht. Read our full story here.

You can play for free or choose to upgrade your boat. Virtual Regatta have pledged to donate a portion of the proceeds to the World Sailing Trust, and hope that others will follow to promote and support the Trust and its work. To find out more about the trust and opportunities to support, please click here.

Click here for full instructions on how to join.

There are prizes up for grabs from World Sailing and partners. Virtual Regatta are offering a year-long VIP pass subscription for select achievements in the game. In addition to the bespoke boat you will receive, Virtual Regatta are giving a limited number of full packs to the first 50 participants. This full pack provides added features in the game to enhance the racing experience and is a must-have for all eSailors looking to aim for the podium.

With over a million players expected for the Vendée Globe, why not sign up now and get practicing? And if this inspires you to get out on the water in 2021 you can contact us today to discuss any logistics requirements.

You can play Virtual Regatta Offshore now on Desktop – iOS – Android at www.virtualregatta.com

Please contact esailing@sailing.org with any Virtual Regatta questions.