Gorka Rozas, who hails from Ortuella in the Basque Country, Spain is the 23rd entry in the Global Solo Challenge with his Northwind 40 produced by the Angus Pimrose shipyard.
We put some questions to Gorka:
Where does your passion for sailing come from?
I am a pupil of Unai Basurko.
What lessons have you learnt from sailing?
Humility and self-sufficiency.
What brought you to like single-handed sailing?
The enjoyment.
What prompted you to sign up for this event?
The opportunity to complete the challenge and finish in first position.
How do you plan to prepare for this event?
Testing the boat and training until the day of departure in the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic Ocean.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge?
The Southern Ocean.
Can you tell us about your boat, or the boat you would like to have?
The Northwind 40 is an emblematic model of Spanish yachting, it left the Angus Pimrose shipyard in the year 1974, the ninth of the first 12 built. It was designed for the Admirals Cup and winner of the Fastnet with Bruce Banks in its category. It is the same boat that belonged to two of the people who taught me everything I know; Unai Basurko and José Luis de Ugarte.
Do you intend to link this personal challenge with a social message?
We plan to involve schools in the Basque Country to follow the event in the classrooms and thus learn a sense of responsibility towards the oceans from a young age.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I will give it my all and enjoy the race from the start.
What is your sailing experience?
I have been sailing since childhood.
About The Boat:
Boat name: Geldi-Geldi
Sail number: ESP2
Model: Northwind 40 (Angustia Pimrose)
Year built: 1974
Group: TBA
LOA: 40
Displacement: 10,500 kgs
Upwind sail area: TBA
Downwind sail area: TBA
