Warsash sailor Mike Golding told school children his plans to compete in the Vendée Globe 2012 world sailing competition.
The sailor visited pupils at Hook-with-Warsash Academy to share his plans to sail single-handed non-stop around the world – 25,000 miles in three months.
Mike Golding with children from Hook-with-Warsash Academy
Children at the school in Church Road asked a number of questions to the skipper of Gamesa, a 60 foot monohull in which he will sail the globe leaving Les Sables d’Olonne in France on November 10.
Pupils were fascinated by how Mike had been preparing for the trip and asked numerous practical questions – including how the sailor would sleep during the non-stop voyage and how he had planned to pack three months worth of food for the journey.
They learned he plans to sleep for five hours a day in 45 minute to one hour bursts in a special hammock – which would rock and wake him if anything was wrong – and that he would only eat dry food.
A video was played showing Mike’s achievements and aims for the challenge.
“We had the whole school in assembly in two batches. The kids were great,” said Mike.
“We had great questions from the youngsters and the older children. I think they enjoyed the presentation.
“They’re very supportive and they followed the last Vendée Globe in 2008 that I led and were sad when the boat dismasted, which ended our journey. They will be following the race again.”
Head teacher Chris Hines said the school children enjoyed Mike’s visit and they would be mapping his route and following his journey for a hope of beating his third place record for an ambitious gold or silver win.
Mr Hines said: “We wish him every success and most importantly that he comes back safe and well. We hope he has a marvellous trip and will tell us how he has done.”