Team Garmin reflects on ‘true seamanship and strong team spirit’

Team sponsor and official marine electronics supplier Garmin has congratulated Team Garmin skipper Jan Ridd and his crew for completing their circumnavigation.

The team – made up of predominantly Australian and British crew - finished in tenth overall after a difficult campaign which saw four different skippers take helm over the race and a series of poor results.

Clipper Race British veteran Jan Ridd stepped on board in Singapore in February, and his prior Clipper 2009-10 Race experience drove the team forward.

The team’s results began to improve and eventually, a well-deserved second place podium came in Derry-Londonderry after the Atlantic crossing from New York.

Skipper Jan Ridd said: “Watching the team evolve and grow gradually has been a big pleasure for me. I never doubted the team’s ability but it was about how we brought all their experience together to form a cohesive team and move it forward to be more confident and stable.

“I have had a great bunch of personalities on board and they really have shown what true seamanship and a sailor’s strong team spirit is when times have been tough. I have really enjoyed leading a team for a second Clipper Race and congratulate everyone on their achievement.”

 Mattias Däldborg, EMEA Marketing & communications Manager, said: “It’s been fantastic to have our own Team Garmin boat, skippered by Jan Ridd and to have our Garmin ambassadors Kristi Wilson and Kees Postma on board two other yachts. 

“From a product point of view, supporting the Clipper Race enables us to showcase the reliability, accessibility and integration of our product range in one of the toughest environments in the world, across the globe. 

“During the race Garmin also had the opportunity to introduce new products into the range of equipment on board including the VIRB camera and Vivofit personal fitness tracker. The race has also really been exciting for all our Garmin partners, who have followed the team’s progress with keen interest.” 

Round the world crew member Jim Bennett thanked Team Garmin followers who had shared the team’s trials, tribulations and recent triumph. 

“I would never wish any part of this experience away, it has been a blast (most of the time) but I think I am ready to draw a line under it and move onto the next challenge with some awesome memories, some great new friends and probably some changes in me that only sustained time with my loved ones will reveal. That I am really looking forward too now. Thanks for all your support everyone - it's been emotional!”