Dubarry sailing boots have long had a connection with top offshore teams around the world so it was no surprise to many sailors when Vendee Globe winner Yannick Bestaven wore the same as he crossed the Les Sables d’Olonne line.
When Bestaven stood on the bow of Maître Coq IV to greet the world's press he was sporting a pair of Dubarry's high-performance Crosshaven gaiter sailing boots, handing the County Galway firm some international front-page news coverage into the bargain!
The 48-year-old French skipper of Maître Coq IV actually took the gun for third place at 03hrs 19mins 46 secs early last Thursday morning, because he carried a time compensation of 10 hours and 15 minutes, awarded by an international jury for his role in the search and rescue of fellow competitor Kevin Escoffier. It's a seamanship story that adds richly to Besthaven's well deserved win of the ninth edition of the race.
Bestaven took victory 2hrs 31mins 01secs ahead of Charlie Dalin and 6hrs 40mins 26secs of Louis Burton who both finished ahead of him and take second and third respectively.
First across the line Charlie Dalin also wore Ireland's Dubarry Crosshaven boots Photo: Vendee Globe
And as images of the winner were beamed around the world from Les Sables d’Olonne, Ireland's connection as a top marine clothing innovator was there for all to see, thanks to his uniquely designed Irish Dubarry footwear.
The Crosshaven boat by Dubarry high performance, thermally insulated, ExtraFit™gaiter sailing boot. Upper consists of a uniquely designed leather vamp and counter with minimal seams to reduce wear in critical areas. More on the boot here
