The 2008-2009 Vendee Globe, non-stop, solo, round-the-world race hero, Steve White, 36, – dubbed the ‘Underdog’ for being the most impecunious entrant in the race of giants is getting some fresh backing…from the RYA.

RYA CEO Rod Carr has recently met with White and promised him the use of coaches and training facilities for his upcoming race campaigns which include the Fastnet in August, the Transat Jacques Vabre in November… but also the next Vendee Globe in 2012.

White astonished the ocean racing world by coming 8th in the last Vendee Globe in a boat many felt was ‘clapped out’. The corinthian hero beat others who had state-of-the-art Open 60s.

Yachting Monthly magazine will be carrying a full profile of the man in a future edition.