MILAI SAILING TEAM / Masatomo Suzuki Intensifies Global Circumnavigation Challenge with Support from Sponsors

MILAI SAILING TEAM (Team Representative/Skipper: Masatomo Suzuki), aiming to compete in the solo, non-stop round-the-world race 'Vendée Globe,' has announced its 2026 season sponsorship structure and upcoming activity schedule.

▶ About the 2026 Season Activities and Sponsorship Structure

Currently based in France and supported by French and Japanese volunteer staff, MILAI SAILING TEAM is preparing for the transatlantic race 'Route du Rhum,' set to start on November 1, 2026. This race is a critical milestone toward the team's goal of participating in the 2028 Vendée Globe. The team is conducting IMOCA-class training and boat adjustments in preparation.

【2026 Special Sponsor】

・Furuno Electric Co., Ltd.

【Bronze Sponsors】

・Gaderius Holdings Co., Ltd.

・ASK GROUP HOLDINGS Co., Ltd.

・Goldwin Inc. (Helly Hansen)

・MIDI France s.a.s. (ISUZU)

【Official Sponsors】

・Nippon Maintenance System Co., Ltd.

・Rizom Inc.

・Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.

・Medical Corporation Buddy

【Supporting / Sponsoring Partners】

・Seiko Watch Corporation

・Oishii Shokuhin Co., Ltd.

・Research Center for Marine Plastics, Institute of Industrial Science, Kyushu University

・Wako Chemical Co., Ltd.

・Dubarry

・Bosch Corporation

・Sankosha Co., Ltd.

Additionally, during the crowdfunding campaign held from May 20 to June 30, 2026, the team received generous support totaling 8,195,110 JPY from 244 individuals across Japan. https://camp-fire.jp/projects/949809/

The team expresses its deepest gratitude to corporate sponsors and every individual supporter for their warm encouragement and contributions.

However, the team still faces a funding shortfall of approximately 10 million JPY for the 2026 season.

To realize participation in both the 'Route du Rhum' and the 'Vendée Globe,' the team continues to seek support and sponsorship from companies, organizations, and individual sponsors.

Moving forward, the team will remain united in its full commitment to this global challenge.

【Upcoming Schedule】

・August: Begin sailing with IMOCA

・September: Sailing training and boat adjustments

・September 15–20: Participate in Défi Azimut – Lorient Agglomération

・October: Boat maintenance and final race preparations

・November 1: Start of Route du Rhum 2026

▶ Masatomo Suzuki Profile

Name: Masatomo Suzuki (Suzuki Masatomo)

Age: 40 years old (born August 12, 1985)

Hometown: Chiba Prefecture

Began sailing in elementary school with the Optimist class, became passionate about dinghy racing, and joined his university’s yacht club. Competed in numerous domestic and international regattas, including the National Sports Festival and the Moth World Championships. Transitioned to offshore racing, making history as the first Japanese participant in the solo transatlantic 'Mini Transat' in 2019 and the global circumnavigation race 'Globe40' in 2022. Continues to build offshore racing experience toward the Vendée Globe.

▶ Yacht Specifications

Class: IMOCA 60 (International Monohull Open Classes Association 60ft)

Yacht Name: MILAI 22

Design: Farr Yacht Design

Builder: CDK Technologies (France)

Launched: 2006

▶ Contact: MILAI SAILING TEAM Email: [email protected]

▶ Official Website: https://milai-sailing.com