Victory Articles
Tom Gillard’s mastery in sailing remains unrivalled as he secures his third straight victory at the Robline Polar Chase, despite experiencing a change in his racing crew. Event #3 of the Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series once again witnessed Gillard’s fearsome prowess at the helm of his bright red Merlin Rocket.
Gillard and Arran Holman won both races of last Saturday’s Robline UK Polar Chase, the third of eight events in this season’s Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series. Even with his regular crew Rachael Gray’s absence, and Holman stepping to the front of the construction, Gillard proved his mettle yet again.
When we put ourselves at the mercy of the ocean’s vast expanse, we brace for every sudden gust and rogue wave. The race is rarely ever only against other boats, but also against circumstance and, if not careful, misfortune. Thus was the narrative set for Team Holcim-PRB at the start of The Ocean Race Europe in Kiel, Germany back in August 2025. A collision, not foreseen nor bargained for, compelled them to abandon the first leg of the race. Amid the salty splash of defeat, their hopes capsized.