SolOceans, a new single-handed oceanic round the world competition that will depart from France to New Zealand, will begin in 2009. Bostik, the first Veolia Oceans one-design produced with the race in mind, is currently sailing around the world for reconnaissance purposes.

Bostik is currently about a week away from Wellington at the end of the first leg.

The crew of Charles Caudrelier and Liz Wardley continue to see improvement in their Veolia Oceans® one-design with 430 nautical miles covered in 24 hours at an average of 18 knots.

With a top speed of 26.7 under autopilot, and only using 80 to 85% of Bostik's potential, Caudrelier is hopeful that the 16-metre boat could get close to covering 500 nautical miles in 24 hours.

The start of the first SolOceans is set for 25 October 2009. The SolOceans will then be run every two years.

Eurosport