Personal information | |
---|---|
Nationality | Swiss |
Born | Geneva | 29 November 1963
Sailing career | |
Class | IMOCA 60 |
Bernard Stamm, is a Swiss professional yachtsman, born on 29 November 1963 in Geneva, Switzerland.
He is an offshore sailor who has started the Vendée Globe three times but never officially completed the course. He did not have any luck starting in the 2000-2001 edition of the race where he retired after a week of racing because of auto pilot failure. In 2004-2005, he lost his keel in the Transat race five months before the start so didn't make the start. In the 2008-2009 he collided with a cargo vessel on the first night and had to return to repair his bowsprit and mast. Setting out again three and a half days after his rivals, he got half way round before discovering a problem with his rudder bearings and attempted to find safe harbor in the Kerguelens but bad weather made it impossible to moor despite outside help, and the boat had to be abandoned.[1] In 2012-2013 edition he did complete the course but was disqualified from the race before the finish.
He was rescued in 2013 after his boat was hit by a large wave in severe weather on the way back from the Transat Jacques Vabre.[2]