While most people view solo offshore racing as a solitary endeavour, the truth is that it takes a team to successfully complete the Vendee Globe, and in many cases the team is as important as the skipper. This is most definitely the case at White Ocean Racing where Steve has assembled a formidable group of highly qualified people, each experts in their own field. When Steve sets off at the start of the Vendee Globe in November 2008, he will need to know that his boat has been meticulously prepared, that his PR staff are ready to tell his story to gain maximum exposure for his sponsors, and that his mental and emotional needs will be met during the toughest moments of the race. The White Ocean Racing team stands ready to take on the challenge.
Josh Hall - Campaign Manager. As a former Vendee Globe veteran no one knows better than Josh what Steve and White Ocean Racing are up against. Josh built and successfully completed the 2000 Vendee Globe aboard the same boat that Steve will campaign and has an intimate appreciation for the challenges that Steve will face. Josh has not only completed three solo circumnavigations, but he has successfully secured and managed multi-million dollar sponsorship deals. His vast technical experience and attention to detail will ensure that “Spirit of Weymouth” is among the best prepared for the race.
Merf Owen - Technical Director. Merf Owen has not only successfully managed top Open 60 campaigns, but he has also circumnavigated the world as skipper of the Global Challenge entry, Global Teamwork. Now, as co-founder of the acclaimed design firm Owen Clarke Design LLC, Merf is at the top of his game with a number of his Open 60 designs winning international yachts races. Merf will bring his wealth of practical expertise as a well as a technical eye that will allow Steve to get the most performance out of his boat.
Kim White - Onshore Operations. Perhaps the most important member of the team is Kim White. Steve's wife and co-founder of White Ocean Racing and mother of their four children. Onshore Operations includes business administration and the provision of logistical and marketing support. For many years Kim worked in the family business. This gave her a good commercial background early on in life.
Kim often works on the boat putting to good use the expertise she gained working in a boatyard and chandlery. Because the Vendee Globe is as much a mental exercise as it is a physical one, Kim will be on hand to offer emotional support as well as taking on the responsibility of communicating Steve's story on a day-to-day basis. Her unconditional support will allow Steve to concentrate fully on the task of racing around the world. Kim is also a keen sailor.