Gaëtan Thomas to Skipper Garmin Team

The Garmin yacht will once again be racing across the world’s oceans, after the Global GPS Navigation and Wearable Technology company re-signed as a Team Partner for the Clipper 2017-18 Race.

And Gaëtan Thomas, the first Belgian Skipper in the history of the Clipper Race, has been chosen to lead the Garmin team.

Gaëtan said: “I am very proud to be representing Garmin in the Clipper 2017-18 Race,” says Gaëtan.

“Garmin is the best when it comes to navigation software and my crew are really looking forward to sharing our journey through the Garmin VIRB action cameras.

“My team wants to be competitive so it makes sense to partner with a successful company like Garmin.”

Skipper Gaëtan Thomas and members of the Garmin team at Crew Allocation, Portsmouth.

The Clipper 2017-18 Race is the third edition to feature a Garmin team. Garmin made its debut as a Team Partner in the Clipper 2013-14 Race, and finished an impressive fourth in the previous 2015-16 edition.

“Just as the Clipper Race provides people with the skills, tools, and opportunity to circumnavigate the globe, Garmin develops and builds products to enhance the lives of its customers, so people can make the most of the time they spend pursuing their passions,” says Sir Robin Knox-Johnston.

“I’m very pleased a Garmin boat will once again be racing around the world. This partnership will allow our crew to continue to work with and use the latest Garmin products, to aid and capture the race of their lives. I wish Gaëtan and his Garmin team all the best for the Clipper 2017-18 Race.”

Garmin at the Clipper 2015-16 Race Start in London.

A global brand, Garmin will use the global circuit of the Clipper Race, which visits six continents across eleven months, to connect with customers and communicate stories and content all over the world.

“When the opportunity arose to continue our official supplier partnership and once again be a proud Team Partner, we were thrilled to do it for the Clipper 2017-18 Race,” says Mattias Daldborg, Garmin EMEA Marketing and Communications Manager Marine.

“The global communication strategy of the Clipper Race enables us to communicate and engage with a global audience with all that Garmin has to offer from our marine electronics through to our VIRB action cameras and dedicated fitness products.”

As well as actively supporting the Garmin team throughout its 40,000 nautical mile journey, Garmin will be the Action Camera Provider for the entire Clipper 2017-18 Race fleet. All twelve yachts will have VIRB Ultra 30 and a number of VIRB 360 action cameras will also be rotated throughout the fleet during the circumnavigation. Both are engineered on the inside for life on the outside, and designed for adventurous people like Clipper Race Skippers and crew.

Garmin will also supply marine navigation equipment across the Clipper Race Fleet as the Official Marine Electronics Partner.

The Garmin yacht will leave Gosport for Liverpool with the rest of the Clipper Race fleet on Wednesday 9 August, and set off on the race around the world from Albert Dock on Sunday 20 August.

Inspired to take on the Clipper Race challenge for yourself? There is still time to join the Asia Pacific Leg 5 and Mighty Pacific Leg 6 of the 2017-18 race, with training courses taking place this Autumn. Click here for more information on how to join the Race of Your Life.

We’re supporting every child in danger with race Charity Partner Unicef UK. To make a donation and help us reach our fundraising target of £400,000, click here.