60s Atlantic Challenge

World Cruising Club, a division of Challenge Business, Organiser of the Corinthian Challenge are pleased to announce an Atlantic Challenge between two Volvo 60's in May 2004.

Inspired by their transatlantic competition from Gran Canaria to St Lucia in the Racing Division of the ARC at the end of 2003, in which Hamish Oliphant set a new course record with Spirit, the two owners of Spirit and Venom are to sail a dual from Falmouth, Antigua to Falmouth, England. Starting after Antigua Sailing Week the race will be non-stop, and is open to any yacht with an IRC TCC of between 1.140 and 1.450, with a minimum LOA of 58ft (17.7m).

Derek Saunders, owner of Venom, commented on the idea of the Challenge "We could not wait another year to race transatlantic again, so we had to challenge Spirit to a race back across the Atlantic in May."

In reply Hamish Oliphant remarked "How can we refuse such a Challenge? It would also be great to see some other boats join us for the race."

Andrew Bishop, Director of World Cruising Club, confirms the involvement of Challenge Business "I am delighted that Hamish and Derek have asked World Cruising Club to run this Atlantic Challenge for them, and look forward to bringing our professionalism to the organisation of this exciting race. With the race open to more than just Volvo 60's we anticipate a good turn out for the start from Antigua."

"Falmouth has been chosen as the finish port as it will allow competing yachts to easily continue on to the Solent or south for the Mediterranean season."

Depending on the level of entries there will be a number of prizes, which will be perpetual with keepsake trophies for the winners. Derek and Hamish will be donating the 60's Atlantic Challenge Trophy, which will be awarded to the 1st Volvo 60 to cross the finish line. Additional prizes may also be awarded for Line Honours and also 1st on corrected time using IRC.

It is hoped that there may be an element of fund raising for charity, with individual yachts nominating a charity and raising funds through their participation in the race. Further details about this aspect of the race will be published in due course.

Spirit and Venom are both offering places onboard their yachts, and further information on how to apply for a berth can be obtained directly from them by visiting them on Stand N1712, or through their contact details overleaf.

Entry details:

The Entry Fee per yacht is £1,000.

A Notice of Race and Application Form for the 60's Atlantic Challenge can be obtained from the Organisers, World Cruising Club.

Notes for editors:

The 60's Atlantic Challenge will start from Falmouth Harbour Antigua on Saturday 8 May 2004.
World Cruising Club events include: ARC, ARC Europe in association with Yachting World and Blue Water Sailing from Antigua every May; Yachting Monthly Rally Portugal from Plymouth to Lagos, Portugal; The Classic Malts Cruise in Scotland every July; The Corinthian Challenge Round the World Yacht Race due to start in September 2006; plus cruising seminars organised to help sailors with their cruising preparations.
World Cruising Club, organisers of the world's most popular yachting rallies, is part of Challenge Business, which was founded by Sir Chay Blyth 12 years ago.
Southampton based Challenge Business events include: Global Challenge 2004/05; the Round Britain Challenge; the Challenge Transat; the Blue Water Challenge 2006-2007. It also runs Challenge Corporate Sailing and Challenge Adventure Sailing.
A selection of maps and free images are available for press use.

Contacts: Andrew Bishop or Sue Richards
World Cruising Club - Challenge Business
Tel. +44 (0)1983 296060
Email: [email protected]

Hamish Oliphant
Pure Sailing
Tel: +44 (0)1752 317313
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.puresailing.co.uk

Derek Saunders
Windward Sailing
Tel: + 44 (0)1983 612800
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.windwardsailing.co.uk

World Cruising Club, 120 High Street, Cowes, PO31 7AX, England

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