(PRESS RELEASE) HEBRON,KY — ZEISS announced the sponsorship of promising 23-year-old skipper Thimoté Polet for the upcoming 2024 edition of the Transat CIC, the oldest single-handed ocean race. Polet will compete in the Class40 category, and his boat will bear the name and colors of ZEIS for this major race across the North Atlantic. ZEISS also provided the company’s industry-leading products for Polet’s use during the race, including binoculars and mirrored sunglass lenses, built with 175+ years of excellence in optical innovation.
The 15th edition of the Transat CIC will depart on April 28, 2024, from Lorient, France, before finishing in the United States, bringing solo ocean racing’s biggest, most modern IMOCA and Class40 fleet to the heart of New York City.
After Polet finishes the race, the ZEISS-Weeecycling boat will remain in New York for a few days at the ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina with the rest of the race fleet as one of the biggest gatherings of modern ocean racing yachts hosted in the city. The ONE°15 Brooklyn Marina will be open to the public, and fans can visit the fleet after the race.
The Transat CIC race marks the ongoing partnership of ZEISS and Polet. ZEISS most recently supported the young skipper for the 2023 edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre, one of the longest double-handed transatlantic races.
As a sailor, Polet benefits from the use of ZEISS sun lenses and mirrors, which help to increase visibility and reduce the reflections and perceived glare from the water. Typically seen as annoying or distracting, glare can also affect overall vision. ZEISS lenses also provide maximum protection against harmful UV light, keeping eyes and the delicate skin around them healthy. ZEISS sun lenses are also available in polarized options as well as for prescriptions.
“We are excited to announce our continued support of Thimoté Polet today,” said Jens Boy, president of ZEISS Vision Care North America. “ZEISS’ partnership with Thimoté for this project reflects our commitment to performance and innovation. We look forward to celebrating Thimoté and his achievements in New York.”
For more information about ZEISS, visit here.