Vāyu, the Whitcraft family sailing team, come from Thailand where they had campaigned a TP52 successfully for some years before joining the 52 SUPER SERIES in 2021 fulfilling their ambition to come to Europe and challenge themselves at the highest level they can.
Theirs is a unique program on the circuit with as many as six or seven family members on board at any one time. Co-owners are brothers Tom and Kevin Whitcraft and the pro-am team includes double Olympic silver medallist Nick Rogers as tactician, Miles Seddon as navigator and mainsheet trimmer Pom Greem runs the project.
Working as part the three boat Quantum program, sharing data and coaching, has helped fast track their learning. They are now at a strong, competitive level even challenging for the regatta win in Scarlino in 2023 where they scored their best ever finish, third. They finished seventh overall last season.
The family make a point of supporting young talent at home – Kevin is very active in the Optimist class – and they integrate young Thai sailors into their Vāyu TP52 crew to ensure they have grand prix big boat opportunities early in their careers. Meantime Don and Dylan continue their Olympic campaign in the 49er skiff class.
