The IMOCA Open 60 GAES Centros Auditivos is ready to face its greatest challenge, the Barcelona World Race (BWR), following the launch of the boat which took place today at the Reial Club Marítim de Barcelona. Spanish Anna Corbella and Briton Dee Caffari will be the only all-female crew taking part in the race, which celebrates its second edition and leaves Barcelona on 31st December 2010. On successful completion of the 46,300 km race, Anna will become the first Spanish female to circumnavigate the globe non stop.
During the event, Anna Corbella expressed her “great vision”, saying: “It is the first time I will participate in a race around the world. Dee and I are keen to show that women and men compete as equals on the water.”
Antonio Gassó, Director General and CEO of GAES, a leader in hearing aids, said: “This new sponsorship is a further step in linking the company to the world of sport and more specifically that of ocean sailing with which we strongly identify. As a company we share the values associated with the sport of sailing, such as teamwork, achievement and effort.”
GAES’ support for the world of sailing began in 2007 after providing the Desafió Español, the only Spanish boat that participated in the 2007 America’s Cup, with a unique advanced communication system. Last year, through GAES Solidaria, the company sponsored six Spanish teams who participated in the last Transat 6,50 / La Rochelle, Salvador de Bahia, more popularly known as the Mini-Transat.
Pere Alcober, sports delegate for the City of Barcelona Council, who was present at the launch of GAES Centros Auditivos commented on the importance of the Barcelona World Race and the involvement of businesses in this challenge, saying: “The race allows athletes such as Anna Corbella and Dee Caffari to fulfill their dreams, while again showing the world that Barcelona is synonymous with high-level sport”.
Dee Caffari added, “With the support of Aviva and my team, I was fortunate to have been given a similar opportunity to the one Anna now has. I am delighted to be sharing my experiences and be part of the team that will help Anna continue to progress in the competitive environment of sailing around the world.”
Also present at the launch was Spanish synchronized swimmer and world champion gold medalist, Gemma Mengual, who was announced as Godmother to GAES Centros Auditivos and wished good luck to both of the crew members, emphasizing the increasingly important role of women in sport
Finally, the President of the Reial Club Marítim de Barcelona, Josep Güell, expressed his satisfaction and pride in seeing “one of his sailors”, Anna Corbella, who started her career in sailing at the club going on to compete in a round the world race.
The only female crew to take part in the Barcelona World Race has already begun their training plan and are finalising the last details for their first race: the IMOCA 60 Tour of Spain. Dee Caffari and Anna Corbella will participate in this series of short races which will begin on June 12 at the Port of Hondarribia in the Basque Country.
