Skipper NameIker Martinez (104pts)

About the Skipper

Iker Martinez is better known for his achievements in Olympic sailing than for his experience in offshore racing. A specialist in sailing 49ers, he has won three world championship titles and a gold medal alongside Xabi Fernandez. But both men have decided to move to offshore racing and take up some new challenges. In 2008, Iker Martinez also took part in the crewed race around the world with stopovers, the Volvo Ocean Race. They came third on board Telefonica Azul.

He then looked at the IMOCA circuit and bought Michel Desjoyeaux’s Foncia, the boat that won among other races, the last Vendée Globe. It was on board the most successful 60-foot IMOCA boat of its generation that this racer started to learn alongside Xabi Fernandez. Even if they are used to sailing together, the two sailors have to learn all about this boat which is new to them and get to grips with the complicated technology.  This is certainly a huge challenge, but Iker Martinez is up for it, particularly as he is benefiting from the advice of Michel Desjoyeaux.

The first results have been promising. On board Telefonica Movistar, he quickly found the pace that is required by these demanding machines. After winning the Douarnenez Grand Prix, the Spanish skipper grabbed fifth place in the Round Spain sailing race, and certainly put the pressure on some of the leading figures in the IMOCA circuit. Iker Martinez and Xabi Fernandez will be setting out on the second edition of the Barcelona World Race on what will be their first double-handed round the world voyage.