Andy's trip of a lifetime in Ocean Race (From Dorset Echo)

Andy's trip of a lifetime in Ocean Race

10:01am Monday 4th January 2010

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A SAILOR from Chickerell has returned from a trip of a lifetime onboard a 70-foot yacht during the world-renowned Volvo Ocean Race.

Andy Tattersall, 29, was selected for the trip by technical sportswear brand, Helly Hansen – the official clothing sponsor for the two Ericsson teams in the race.

Boating enthusiast Andy, who is technical sales advisor with Rob Perry Marine on Weymouth harbourside, was offered the opportunity as a result of his company’s partnership with Helly Hansen.

He jumped at the chance to join experienced racing sailors onboard the Volvo Ocean 70 yacht ‘Ericsson 3’ on the Baltic Sea.

During the four-day trip, Andy was involved in helming, trimming and grinding while crewing onboard the boat during an offshore race.

Andy said: “I was extremely lucky to be able to embark on this experience.

“You only get one shot on a Volvo Ocean 70 yacht and have no choice but to learn the ‘hard way.’ “I got to experience an offshore leg in force eight winds and now totally appreciate some of what the world-class crew had to endure.

“It was a tough but exhilarating experience.

“The professionalism and camaraderie of the crew was intense, I now understand a lot more of the dedication and sheer guts it takes to be part of an off shore racing team, it was fantastic.”

John Wright, Key Account Manager at Helly Hansen who accompanied Andy added: “This was the ultimate in sailing.

“We experienced seriously tough conditions, enabling us to get as close to the real experience as possible.”

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