British sailor asked to divert towards Generali to act as standby to Yann Eliès, who has sustained a serious fracture of his leg..

I am writing this as Roxy is speeding towards Generali and Safran. Yesterday, the race director Denis Horeau asked me to divert towards Generali to act as standby to Yann Eliès, who has tragically sustained a serious fracture of his leg.

Yann was on the bow changing headsails when his boat, which was charging along at 18 knots, crashed into a wave with such force that he felt his thigh bone crack and collapsed. He crawled back along the deck and radioed race officials requesting immediate help.

Marc Guillemot aboard Safran was closer and he is thankfully already next to Yann, offering company and moral support whilst we wait for the Medivac rescue. I can’t describe my feelings of horror when the reality of what Denis was saying to me over the telephone hit home. It is one of the phone calls that I hoped I would never receive - to find out a fellow competitor (and good friend) is injured and suffering. My bruised elbow suddenly became insignificant, although having so recently been hurt, alone on my boat I can understand what Yann must be going through only too well.

I am torn between racing to Yann at a breakneck speed and not pushing too hard to risk damage to myself or Roxy. I know I must be sensible, and get some rest en route so that if I am needed I will be on form. I’m ready to do anything to help, as I’m sure any of the other skippers in this race would be.

The trouble is, as Yann cannot move and we are alone on our boats in quite big seas, there is little we can do other than offer company and moral support as we await the rescue. We are, of course, also on stand by to help if ever Yann’s condition were to deteriorate. I feel for Marc on Safran right now - being so close to a friend who is suffering so much, but feeling almost useless, is a tough situation to be in. At least Yann can now hear a friendly voice nearby which must be comforting and re-assuring.

My thoughts go out to Yann’s wife Soizig and their family, who must be extremely worried to hear that their loved one is in trouble so far away from home.

Thankfully, soon he will be in very good care.

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Quiksilver clothing, Quiksilver clothes, Quicksilver clothes, Quiksilver boys snow wear.

The wait is over for the Quiksilver Pro France! The 8th of 11 events on the 2008 ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals) World Tour, gets underway today.
Could we see Quiksilver rider, Kelly Slater, claim his 6th victory of the season? It has been brilliant year for him so far, already wining 5 of the 7 events that have taken place. Could this year see his (already pretty amazing) 8 World titles, become nine?? I mean nine world titles…that’s almost unprecedented in the individual sports world…Lance Armstrong stopped after his 7th Tour de France!

So what are you waiting for, pop in to the store and pick up your Quiksilver Pro limited edition clothes. Get yourself some of the new season Quiksilver or Roxy Luggage and we’ll see you in France!

Check back here for more WCT news, or visit www.quiksilverlive.com

It’s all about mixing. That’s what the Quiksilver woman is about. She is a young urban woman with a rebel, rock n’roll side. She bares the soul of a charming, close-to-the-nature artist. She’s independent and bohemian too… The Quiksilver woman is pretty tough…

A SUBTLY SOFISTICATED LINE FOR A YOUNG CONTEMPORARY WOMAN

Sophisticated, timeless, feminine. Designed for a “pretty tough” young woman. Pretty AND tough, that is. Besides the whole spirit behind it, Quiksilver’s new female line is defined by attention to detail and qualitative fabrics.

Back centre seams, asymmetrical features and details around the buttons are part of the line’s DNA. Silk, linen, angora and organic cotton, the fabrics used in this line are natural, while the colour palette stays pretty sober. Logos are minimally present and take the shape of metal charms. Vests, baby doll dresses, original T-shirts, jeans, shirts… The new women’s line was born for layering and to allow each woman create her own style. Did we mention freedom too?

Find out more at www.quiksilver-women.com.

BRAND AMBASSADORS

There are three, all based in London. They embody a new generation of folk singers. In Europe, Quiksilver has chosen them to represent the spirit behind its new women’s collection. Musicians, writers and performers, Charlotte O’Connor, Ellie Lawson and Anna Leddra Chapman are talented young women that Quiksilver will be supporting. How? By promoting them internationally, using all of the company’s strengths: Internet, PR networks, photographers, filmers, stylists etc.

Anna Leddra Chapman -

Acoustic/Folk/Pop

http://www.myspace.com/annaleddrachapman

While most kids are concerning themselves with games consoles at the age of 12, Anna Leddra-Chapman took a different route: she picked up one of her dad’s acoustic guitars for the first time, sat down and began to write her first song. With a spine tingling voice and heart stopping lyrics that belie her youth, Anna Leddra-Chapman bares her soul with stripped down songs that bring to mind artists such as Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman. Anna is currently working with world renowned writers and producers on her debut album due for release in Spring 09.

Ellie Lawson

Acoustic/Pop/Folk

www.myspace.com/ellielawson

Ellie Lawson is an artist whose compelling voice and rich sonic landscape reflects a life journey of personal determination and self-discovery. The young vocalist/lyricist/musician/composer released her first album « The Philosophy Tree » with Atlantic in the US. Now back in the UK, she’s working on her second one with the renowned British producer/writers Jony « Rockstar » (Sugababes, Alicia Keys) and Tim Wills (Ian Brown).

Charlotte O’Connor

Acoustic/Folk/Soul

www.myspace.com/charlottesoul

With an outstanding stage presence, Charlotte O’Connor has already laid the foundations of what will no doubt be a long and successful career in the music industry. Charlotte, vocalist and composer, is currently in the studio working on her debut album, writing with the likes of Sasha Skarbek ( who co-wrote the smash hit “You are Beautiful” for James Blunt) and Dan Gatreau (who has writing credits with artists such as Alicia Keys, George Michael, Kylie Minogue and Shaznay Lewis).

QUIKSILVER SKINS EVENT - Fistral Beach, Newquay.
23 - 25th August Bank Holiday

Quiksilver is hosting the biggest Invitational Pro Surf, Skins Contest of the year where 32 Pro Surfers will be invited to compete in a two day event - Man on Man format. Gabe Davies, Nathan Phillips and Alan Stokes are just some of the pro’s to expect over the weekend.
Fistral Beach will be packed out with activity from Roxy, Starboard, St Tropez and live gigs from the Gibson Tour Bus including music from Ben Howard, Surf Chixx and Rosie & The Goldbugs.

So guys throw on your Quiksilver clothing, girls throw on your Roxy clothing and join the fun. Look stylish in a Roxy or Quiksilver hoody to keep that summer breeze at bay, or if the sun does decide to show an appearance drag out your Quiksilver boardies and girls slip into your Roxy bikini.

See you there party people!!