Global challenge sailor Archie Fairley is new Chairman of International Association of Cape Horners

International Association of Cape Horners © International Association of Cape Horners

Archie Fairley, a veteran of the 2000/1Global Challenge Round the World Race has taken over the Chairmanship of the International Association of Cape Horners (IACH).

He completed a full circumnavigation via the 3 Great Capes, including Cape Horn aboard the 75ft Challenge yacht Norwich Union, and has also competed in the Sydney Hobart, Fastnet and ARC classic races.

Archie takes over the reins from Ashley Manton who has chaired IACH for the past 5 years. With Archie Fairley acting as Secretary, the two have spearheaded major changes within the Association. A once dwindling membership made up largely of traditional sailing ship veterans, is now a thriving standard bearer for modern circumnavigators, promoting major events such as the Vendee Globe, Golden Globe and Global Solo Challenge events, Ocean and Ocean Globe fully crewed races and record circumnavigation attempts via Cape Horn made under the auspices of the World Sailing Speed Record Council.

In addition, the Association has taken over the record keeping of all modern solo and multi-crewed circumnavigations via Cape Horn and launched the Cape Horn Hall of Fame awards (now it its 3rd year) in partnership with Les Sables d'Olonne, the home of Solo Ocean Racing and the Cape Horn Hall of Fame.

Les Sables d'Olonne has used its link to the Hall of Fame to create the Cape Horn Yacht Club known as "Le Carre", which overlooks the Vendee Globe marina in the town and houses the Cape Horn Roll of Honour board and other Cape Horn related memorabilia.

As Ashley Manton, a veteran of the 1977/8 Whitbread Race, leaves his role as Chairman, the Association, is in a significantly stronger place, with Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and French solo veteran Jean-Luc van den Heede becoming its President and vice President.

Ashley Manton says of his successor: "Archie is very focused on expanding the work of the Association and growing international membership and influence. I am certain IACH will remain in good hands."