Marco Nannini - Skipper

Marco is half-italian, half-slovak and lives in London where for many years he has negotiated a career in investment banking and his passion for sailing. In 2004 Marco settled permanently in the UK and moved his first steps in the offshore short-handed circuit racing double handed in several RORC and RSYC events and solo with the Solo Offshore Racing Club. In 2009 Marco won his class in the Original Single-handed Transatlantic Race (OSTAR) from Plymouth UK to Newport Rhode Island. In 2010 he acquired Mowgli, the Class40 raced in the PGOR by the British duo of Jeremy Salvesen and David Thomson. With this boat Marco competed in the double handed Shetland Round Britain and Ireland with Co-skipper Paul Peggs where they finished 2nd overall after leading for 3 of the 5 legs. In November 2010 Marco completed the solo Route du Rhum.

THE SHORE TEAM

Ella Connolly - Media and Logistics

Marco's partner Ella plays a vital role in the team’s success in the race. Between sponsor-hunting, media relations and booking Marco for engagements at yacht clubs, she is tirelessly working behind the scenes towards the smooth running of the race. Proficient in Spanish, the official language of two of the race host ports, Ella assists Jhey Mora on the Spanish website. Last, but not least, Ella looks after the team's alimentation and logistics ashore.

Maja Strakova - Media Relations Slovakia

An accomplished sportswoman herself, Marco's mother Maja regularly competes in European Swimming Masters Championships. She is in charge of media relations in Slovakia as well as providing essential support in maintaining the Slovak translation of the website.

Jhey Mora - Spanish Translations

Jhey Mora was born in Spain. After living in Alicante for 18 years he felt the urge to learn about cultures and absorb them. He spent the following 6 years living in Ireland, Scotland, Germany and Spain until he finally settled in the State of Illinois (USA) where he works as a teacher of S/SL enjoying every little bit of it. Jhey provides key help with Spanish translations.

THE BOAT

Akilaria RC1 N.41 (Mowgli)

Launched in 2007 the boat was raced as "Mowgli" by Jeremy Salvesen and David Thomson in the 2008/2009 Portimao Global Ocean Race.

Acquired by Marco Nannini in March 2010.

Raced as "Sungard Front Arena" during the 2010 Shetland Round Britain and Ireland

Raced as "UniCredit" during the 2010 Route du Rhum