Dry Creek Sponsors Extreme Offshore Yacht Race -
Shares Wines with the World
On June 3, a fleet of intrepid offshore sailors began a tactical race around the Atlantic Ocean. Dry Creek Vineyard was there as a sponsor of the EDS Atlantic Challenge race and of Brad Van Liew, America’s contender aboard Team Gartmore.
In each port location, Dry Creek Vineyard is serving a variety of special wines to the famed professional sailors, race organizers, sponsors and the international media. Sir Chay Blyth, renowned British yachtsman and the first man to race nonstop around the globe against prevailing winds, created the EDS Atlantic Challenge race.
Renowned yachtsmen
Sir Chay Blyth and Brad
Van Liew with DCV's
Barbara Barrielle
Crowds gather in Portsmouth,
England to watch the start of Leg 3
The fleet visits European and American ports steeped in maritime tradition. Dry Creek’s nautically themed labels and exclusive vintages compliment a race that brings together the history of yachting and its evolution to a fast paced cutting edge sport of today.
Dry Creek’s Fumé Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel were shared by all at the pre-race celebration and VIP Awards Ceremony. As the yachts leave each port to conquer the grueling racecourse, fans gather on a ferry to cheer them on and toast the brave sailors with Dry Creek in hand.
As Sir Chay Blyth congratulated all the skippers and crew for their bravery and skill during the first two legs of the race, he gave special thanks. “We must not forget to thank Dry Creek Vineyard, our winery sponsor for providing these wonderful wines from California.” Hundreds of people applauded this remark and cheered Dry Creek for their support of the event and Team Gartmore.
Brad Van Liew, celebrated American solo sailor and Around Alone veteran agreed, “I’m thrilled that Dry Creek has recognized this burgeoning sport and the EDS Atlantic Challenge race. Their passion for sailing is an inspiration to the entire fleet. I look forward to sharing Dry Creek Vineyard wines with the world during next year’s Around Alone race. I will be alone at sea for months at a time circumnavigating the globe. At least I can savor a glass of their spectacular wine on occasion.”
EDS Atlantic Challenge
VIPs enjoyed
Dry Creek Vineyard wines
Mussels, fries and Dry
Creek in St. Malo, France
The EDS Atlantic Challenge has attracted the world’s sailing superstars. Ellen MacArthur, Christophe Auguin, Isabelle Autissier, Roland Jourdain, Josh Hall and Mike Golding are all participating in the race and enjoying Dry Creek Vineyard in each port.
The EDS Atlantic Challenge takes sailors on a tactical route from St. Malo, France to Hamburg, Germany and Portsmouth, England. From there, the fleet challenges the Atlantic Ocean on a grueling route through some of the world’s toughest waters. After landing in Baltimore, Maryland, they continue to Boston, Massachusetts and then on to another Atlantic crossing to the finish line in St. Malo, France. This event is exclusive to Open-60 competition yachts, the fastest and most technically advances sailboats in the world. The race can be followed at
www.edsatlanticchallenge.com.
