JERSEYMAN Phil Sharp sets sail from Concarneau in France tomorrow in the Figaro Transat AG2R race to St Bart’s in the Caribbean.

Sharp, who won Class 40 of the Route du

Rhum in 2006, will be accompanied on the biennial double-handed transatlantic crossing by David Drizek, of the Czech Republic.

Twenty-eight teams are competing in identical 30-foot Beneteau boats, with Sharp and Krizek sailing Atlantik FR.

Over the past week the pair have been leaving no stone unturned in getting the boat fully prepared and as competitive as possible. Following speed testing against four other teams, Sharp said: ‘We haven’t as much Figaro experience than the other boats, but we have been encouraged by our improvement. Both upwind and downwind we seem to be on the pace and I’m pretty sure the new set of sails have made a difference.

‘Our technique on the boat has also certainly come a long way. Gaining an advantage of a tenth of a knot sounds small, but it means a difference of around six hours at the finish – and easily as many places in such a tight fleet.’

Sharp, who is supported by the Dominion Fiduciary Services Group, expects to finish the race in 19 to 21 days. Jersey’s high-profile racer is hoping the experience gained will propel him closer to his ultimate ambition of competing in the 2012 Vendee Globe.