(Lanzarote, Canary Islands)- A varied and international fleet ranging
from 40 to 100ft (12.19 to 30.48m) will set off for Grenada on Saturday
29th November from Lanzarote, the most eastern in the Canary Islands
chain, in the Royal Ocean Racing Club's new offshore race- the RORC
Trans-Atlantic Race.After a week of preparation and social events hosted at Puerto Calero Marina, the inaugural RORC Trans-Atlantic Race will see competitors from several countries weave their way through the historic archipelago before making landfall 2,800 nautical miles away where they will be welcomed at Camper & Nicholsons' Port Louis Marina.
Ever since Columbus started the trend over 500 years ago, the Canary Islands have remained the jumping-off point for yachts crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean. The RORC Trans-Atlantic Race will provide RORC members and other highly competitive race boats with the chance to compete in a top-level event during the east-west transatlantic crossing.
The J/133 APOLLO 7 (GBR), was bought and refitted by RORC member Nigel Passmore in order to compete in his first Trans-Atlantic race. "I'm taking part in the RORC Trans-Atlantic Race in order to achieve a lifetime ambition of sailing across the Atlantic," explains Passmore.
The Plymouth, Devon-based team has notched up a string of local victories as well as notable wins in the Rolex Fastnet Race and as overall winner of the RORC's De Guingand Bowl and Morgan Cup races earlier this season. A crew of six for the crossing includes Isle of Wight sailor Brett Aarons.
"Once the RORC announced its intention to organize the race, I wanted to make sure I took part in the first event. We intend to do the best we can and enjoy the experience. Maintaining boat equipment and keeping on a race pace for two weeks, 24 hours a day is going to be tough. I'm looking forward to the whole race and ticking off another 'To Do' box when the finish gun goes off in Grenada. It's sure to be a memorable moment," says Apollo 7's owner, Passmore. Sailing photo credits- Tim Wright/ photoaction.com For more RORC Trans-Atlantic Race sailing information
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