The 'Underdog' returns

Ocean yachtsman Steve White, the circumnavigator dubbed ‘the underdog’ for his re-mortgaged race in the Vendee Globe is now in training for the Velux 5 Oceans, stopping race.

His son Jason joined the Open 60, Toe in the Water, along with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston to sail the boat home to Weymouth from the Solent to start preparations for the race.

Since finishing 8th out of a total of 30 competitors in the Vendee, Steve White has risen 20 places to 9th in the IMOCA global sailing league tables.

Sir Robin, said: “I feel a tremendous empathy with Steve. He had no financial support to speak of, but his determination to succeed, backed by his supportive family, meant he had a greater motivation than most – and he succeeded, to join a very special club of 173 solo circumnavigators.”

Steve will now start making plans and raising funds for the Velux 5 Oceans which starts in October 2010, and then a second Vendee Globe in 2012. 

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