The Concept

GintoLab has been initiated by two indivuduals, Alfred Dijs and Erwan Abalain.

Alfred, a 48 years old Dutchman owns and manages a cinsulting company. Expert in Business Innovation, his personal objective is to turn himself into well performing solo sailor for the 2007 Transat.

Erwan, a 36 years old French, is a Purchaising Manager in the auto industry and also an experienced Mini sailor who finished at the 5^th place of the Transat 2003. His personal objective is to develop his rcing and preparation skills to win the 2007 Transat.

The objective of the GintoLab itself is - in close collaboration with partners - to innovate “Mini”-sailing and stimulate Mini racing.

By leveraging on the strength of these individuals, the team is developping an unique and professional approach to meet its targets.

GintoLab owns two identical Ginto production Mini’s. These two yachts (#1 and #9) are fitted in and identical way to allow a better preparation, proper training, and fine tuned optimisation. Availability of this fleet offers also a better opportunity and solution for the sponsors of the team.

GintoLab has developed several technical and service partnerships with the best in class yachting suppliers, to ensure the best solutions are available or developed for the team.
 Sparcraft, and Sparcraft Rigging are involved in all the rig and ropes,
 Elvstrom is involved into the design and the manufacturing of the sails,
 NKE is involved into the electronics, and the autopilots,
 Delphi, is involved into the batteries and energy management systems,
 Kolorian is involved into the paint and antifouling,
 The harbour of Brest as an excellent training and support facility of Mini’s (and sailing / racing in general).

The new NKE electronical Autopilot is the resulst of a common R&D work with GintoLab.