Marco Nannini negotiates his life between a job in Banking in the City of London and his passion for offshore short-handed racing.

Although he sailed since childhood, Marco sailed solo for the first time only in 2006, decided to enter OSTAR and won his class in 2009.

Now he plans to take on the professionals on a Class 40, first in the Route du Rhum 2010 and then in the Global Ocean Race in 2011.

This is the essence, of course the story is much longer. His extensive online blog goes back many years and you read all about the highs and lows of preparing for and racing offshore.

Past Races

Shetland Round Britain and Ireland runner up

 Just 2 months after acquiring the Akilaria Class 40 raced as Mowgli during the Portimao Global Ocean Race 2008-2009, Marco Nannini raced with Paul Peggsin the Shetland Round Britain and Ireland Race organised by the Royal Western Yacht Club of England. Taking line honours in Barra, first Class 40 in Lerwick, line honours again in Lowestoft, Marco and Paul led the final leg to Plymouth all the way to Prawle Point just mile to the finish where the leading boats sailed into a wind hole and drifted or even anchored for hours, as the morning breeze filled in the Norwegian team of Solo, who had been trailing in third up to that point, got their lucky break and took line honours much to Marco's frustration. An oustanding achievement for his first race on a Class 40 nonetheless.

OSTAR 2009 Class winner

In 2009 Marco wins the Jester class of the OSTAR, the legendary single-handed transatlantic race from Plymouth UK to Newport RI United States.

This gruelling 3000 North Atlantic race was Marco's first shot at a big race, which he completed in 21 days, 23 hours and 45 minutes.

This fantastic experience has prompted Marco to dream of racing among the professionals in Class 40.

bluQube Solo 1000

Marco qualified for the OSTAR during the bluQube sponsored Solo 1000 miles race organised by Petit Bateau (now Solo Offshore Racing Club) taking 2 place in class and third overall in IRC.

Other races

Petit Bateau Irish Tour (600 miles solo) 2007

Rolex Fastnet 2007 (double-handed)

RORC Eddystone Race 2007

RORC De Guindgand Bowl Race 2007

RIOW SOLO 2007

RSYC Double handed races 2006

RIOW SOLO 2006