RORC & IMA Transatlantic Race, Lanzarote to Grenada

Kali completes 2019 RORC Transat - Dockside interviews, Grenada

Dec 12, 2019: Benedikt Clauberg's Swiss First 47.7 Kali finished the RORC Transatlantic Race on 11 December, completing the 3,000nm race in 18 days 08 hours 28 mins and 18 secs. Kali was competing for the second year in a row and beat their finish time for 2018 by nearly 18 hours.

“It feels great to beat our time from last year as we have been working hard on the performance of the boat,” said Kali's Benedikt Clauberg. “This year was much harder due to a lot of squalls, but we have a very enthusiastic team who wanted to change sails even when they were tired, and that made a difference. It feels like coming home when we arrived in Grenada because we know Charlotte (Fairhead) and all the C&N Port Louis Marina staff.”

2019 Dec 10: Jangada IRC Overall winner of RORC Transatlantic Race 2019:

Jangada, Richard Palmer's JPK 1010 racing two-handed with Jeremy Waitt, crossed the finish line outside Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, Grenada on Tuesday 10th December, 2019 at 21:11:06 UTC. Their elapsed time was 17 days 10 hours 11 mins 06 secs. See all results here.

Pata Negra dockside interviews, Grenada

Andy Lis and the young crew on board Giles Redpath's Pata Negra completed the 2019 RORC Transatlantic Race in 15 days 22 hrs 58 mins 13 secs. On arrival at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, they were interviewed about their experience by RORC Race Reporter, Louay Habib. “That was quite an adventure,” commented Skipper, Andy Lis. “Besides myself, this is the first time in the Caribbean for the rest of the crew. The most memorable moment for me was the boat flying through a squall - it was bucketing with rain and the sea went from a 4 metre swell to nothing, with the breeze pumping.”

Interview dockisde, Grenada: Andre Auberton-Herve/Dark Shadow

French Wally 100 Dark Shadow finished the 2019 RORC Transatlantic Race on Friday 6th December in an elapsed time of 13 days 9 hours 11 mins and 3 secs. Dark Shadow was sailed by Andre Auberton-Herve (FRA) and skippered by Yerin Hobson (AUS). "I did the transat almost 12 years ago with the almost the same team. This time it was great, but we had tricky winds and still enjoyed it," commented Andre Auberton-Herve. "Racing with the RORC means great organisation at the departure and a great reception here. The transat was perfect, we loved it - Dark Shadow was flying! We reached 25 knots finally and that was very nice. It was great to put the team back together - The Expendables Transat!"  Dark Shadow crossed the finish line outside Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, Grenada on Friday 6th December, 2019 at 20:11:03 UTC.

See also Bouwe Bekking, Skipper Childhood 1 - RORC Transatlantic Race video. Skipper Bouwe Bekking (NED): "It's always nice to start building a team from scratch. This is the beginning of it. There's a couple of really interesting young crew members who have a lot in them. I was pleasantly surprised. It's really nice to be here in Grenada, I've never been here before. The Marina is splendid, and that is one of the things you wonder when coming across, and this is really nice, and a really warm welcome. Thank you Grenada."

Childhood 1 Wins the IMA Trophy | RORC Transatlantic Race (video)

Swedish VO65 Childhood 1, skippered by Bouwe Bekking, has taken Line Honours in the 2019 RORC Transatlantic Race. Childhood 1 crossed the finish line outside Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, Grenada in an elapsed time of 11 days 11 hours 34 mins 49 secs. The International Maxi Association Secretary General, Andrew McIrvine, presented Bouwe Bekking and the team with the IMA Trophy for Monohull Line Honours in the RORC Transatlantic Race. With cold beers and big cheers Childhood 1 was welcomed by Charlotte Bonin, Marina Manager and the team at Port Louis Marina. Nikoyan Roberts presented a basket of Grenadian goods on behalf of the Grenadian Tourism Authority.

RORC Transatlantic Race 2019 LIVE Tracker 04 Dec 2019 23:00: Childhood 1 Finish & Line Honours - 11d 11h 39m 49s.

Dec 1, 2019: with less than 1200nm to the finish at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in Grenada, leading the fleet is the Swedish VO65 Childhood 1. All of the competing yachts are south of the rhumb line but there is over 900nm of latitudinal separation in the fleet. Jangada is furthest north and Childhood 1 furthest south. Childhood's deep dive south has paid dividends to take the lead for line honours, Jangada leads the race overall after IRC time correction and Pata Negra have come from behind to overtake Kali. After nine days at sea the RORC Transatlantic Race fleet are now well offshore in the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean - the next sighting of land will be the Caribbean. More news here.

Day 5 Update, Nov 27:  Wally 100 Dark Shadow Satellite Phone Call (video): After five days into the RORC Transatlantic Race the international fleet is experiencing shifty conditions with a light to moderate wind oscillating between nor' east and east. All of the teams are south of the rhumb line but different strategies are producing a range of tactics in the 3,000nm race to Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in Grenada. Richard Palmer, competing Two Handed with Jeremy Waitt on his British JPK 10.10 Jangada are currently provisional overall leader after IRC time correction. French Wally 100 Dark Shadow is 2,285nm from the finish and leading the fleet for line honours. Swedish VO65 Childhood 1 has sailed the most miles (945nm) and is the furthest south. Pata Negra is back in the race having made a pit-stop in El Hierro. More news here.

LIVE Tracker here.

Nov 26: Fleet leaders Childhood 1 & Dark Shadow take a deep dive southward (LIVE tracker).

Nov 24, 2019 -- RORC Transatlantic Race 2019: As expected, Swedish VO65 Childhood 1, skippered by Bouwe Bekking, is firmly in front having raced 251nm in the first 24 hours. The fleet are currently experiencing downwind conditions, however the nor’easterly gradient wind is far from stable as frequent rain squalls, combined with land effects, have dramatically changed both the wind speed and direction. Childhood 1 gybed south of the rhumb line shortly after sunrise this morning, indicating that the team may well be turning south after negotiating the wind shadow of El Hierro - the last sight of land that they are likely to see for many days.

After noon on day two of the race, the Wally 100 Dark Shadow also gybed south having raced 240nm in the first 24 hours. Dark Shadow's David Martriano commented via satellite phone. “All is well on board and we are currently sailing in about 15 knots of breeze from the northeast. The conditions are beautiful and we are enjoying some fantastic fresh food prepared by Annina (Zaini). Last night the breeze was up and down, which kept us busy with quite a few sail changes. This morning we got into a light patch of wind north of Tenerife, but we are now in good breeze and looking forward to some great sailing ahead.” More here.

RORC Transatlantic Race 2019 Start Nov 23 (video): Farewell Lanzarote! The RORC Transatlantic Race gets underway! The 6th edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race got underway on time with the fleet starting from outside Marina Lanzarote at 1100 UTC on Saturday 23 November, 2019. After months of preparation, the international fleet have started one of the most iconic offshore races with a stiff breeze gusting up to 25 knots. Read more at http://rorctransatlantic.rorc.org/news/

See also: Jangada & Dark Shadow Dockside | RORC Transatlantic Race RORC video published Nov 22, 2019. 6th RORC Transatlantic Race Start: Saturday 23rd November 2019 - Marina Lanzarote; Notice of Race (pdf) and here (pdf), course: Lanzarote, Canary Islands, to Grenada, Caribbean. Approximate Distance: 2995nm.

Official website: rorctransatlantic.rorc.org and LIVE Tracking

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RORC Transatlantic Race 2016, Lanzarote to Grenada, Start Video

Team Maverick RORC Transatlantic Race start video:

Video above published Nov 26, 2016

RORC Transatlantic Race 2016: Lanzarote to Grenada

The 3rd edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race started without a hitch in ideal conditions outside Marina Lanzarote on November 26, 2016. With a gentle breeze and slight sea state, it was a comfortable start to the 2,865 nautical mile ocean race to Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in Grenada, West Indies. The three fastest yachts chose to head north of the rhumb line but once they have rounded Tenerife, the decision is whether to continue north or dive south. Day 2 UPDATE: (Nov 27): Lloyd Thornburg's American MOD70 Phaedo3, skippered by Brian Thompson has pulled out an astonishing lead of more than 100 miles on Giovanni Soldini's Italian MOD70, Maserati. However, this huge lead is due to a very different strategy developing, rather than a speed differential. Phaedo3 look to be committed to a southerly route, whilst Maserati appear to be going north. The Italian multihull may have delayed their move north to enjoy a calmer sea state after passing La Palma.

• More info: RORCtransAtlantic.rorc.org
• LIVE Tracking: http://rorctransatlantic.rorc.org/tracking/2016-fleet-tracking.html

RORC TRANSATLANTIC RACE facts:

• The third RORC Transatlantic Race starteds in Lanzarote on Saturday 26th November 2016 and the 2,865 nautical mile race runs through the Canary Islands before crossing the Atlantic to arrive in Grenada
• The race is run in association with the International Maxi Association (IMA) 
• The winner of the RORC Transatlantic Race Trophy for best elapsed time under IRC in 2015 was Jean-Paul Riviere's 100ft Finot-Conq. Nomad IV also won IRC overall and the IMA Trophy for monohull line honours. Nomad IV also set a new monohull record for the RORC Transatlantic Race: 10 days 07 hours 06 minutes and 59 seconds
• Multihull Record: 5 days 22 hours 46 minutes 03 secondsLloyd Thornburg's MOD70, Phaedo3 was the first boat to arrive in the last race and set the multihull record for the race
• Class40: 12 days 12 hours 36 minutes 32 seconds Gonzalo Botin's Spanish Class40, Tales II was the first Class40 to complete the race in 2015, setting a Class40 record 

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2015 RORC Transatlantic Race, Nov 28 Start, Lanzarote to Grenada

THE RORC TRANSATLANTIC RACE 2015: http://rorctransatlantic.rorc.org/

• The second RORC Transatlantic Race starts in Lanzarote on Saturday 28th November 2015 and the 2,995 nautical mile race runs through the Canary Islands before crossing the Atlantic to arrive in Grenada
• The race is run in association with the International Maxi Association (IMA)
• The winner of the inaugural RORC Transatlantic Race Trophy for best elapsed time under IRC in 2014 was Jeremy Pilkington's Lupa of London. The Baltic 78 was also presented with the International Maxi Association's Line Honours Trophy at a prizegiving ceremony held at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina at the finish in Grenada

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A highly varied fleet with fascinating competitors will set off on 28th November from Lanzarote - the most eastern island in the Canary Islands chain - bound for the island of Grenada in the Caribbean in the RORC Transatlantic Race, organised by The Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with The International Maxi Association. Two MOD 70s will be locking horns in the 2015 RORC Transatlantic Race, aiming for line honours and victory in a highly competitive, high-speed duel: Lloyd Thornburg's Phaedo^3 and Tony Lawson's Concise 10, skippered by Ned Collier Wakefield are capable of a top speed in excess of 40 knots and an average 25 knots for the race. Two of the world's fastest multihulls could complete the 3000 nautical mile course in just five days.

The two MOD 70s have raced each other twice. Concise 10 got the better of Phaedo^3 in the Artemis Challenge, around the Isle of Wight Race and Phaedo^3 squared the match, beating Concise 10 in the Rolex Fastnet Race. The RORC Transatlantic Race will be the first transoceanic race between two fully crewed MOD 70s for over three years and it is highly likely that the race will be incredibly close. In the last fully crewed Transatlantic Race featuring MOD 70s, three teams finished within two hours of each other.

"There is no difference in speed between the two boats and it will come down to tactics and navigation," explains Thompson. "The MOD 70 is the best boat in the world; super-fast, very strong and reasonably safe offshore. In terms of navigation, once we leave Lanzarote we will have to negotiate the Canary Islands which will be an interesting conundrum before heading towards Grenada. Then it is principally a downwind course, although at this time of year, there is the choice of going north to hook into a cold front or going south to find the trade winds. During the race, squalls are always a big factor and this is a very open race course, so we could be hundreds of miles apart, but we will be watching each other and I think this will be a really close race. The last few hours could be very interesting. Which side of Barbados to go will be in the mix and we could see some double bluffing going on. It is quite rare to have this opportunity and a big thank you to the RORC for organising the race. We are very glad to be supporting it and the RORC Transatlantic Race is the perfect way to arrive for the RORC Caribbean 600."

The exciting addition of two MOD 70s in the second running of the RORC Transatlantic Race led to the decision to move the start location to Puerto Calero's sister facility Marina Lanzarote which is conveniently located in the island's capital Arrecife. The brand new Marina Lanzarote will host the start of the 2015 RORC Transatlantic Race on Saturday 28 November. Calero Marinas, committed to hosting the RORC Transatlantic Race for the next three years. José Juan Calero, Managing Director for Calero Marinas and RORC Chief Executive, Eddie Warden Owen.

THE ORGANISERS:
Established in 1925, The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) became famous for the biennial Fastnet Race and the international team event, the Admiral's Cup. It organises an annual series of domestic offshore races from its base in Cowes as well as inshore regattas such as the RORC Easter Challenge and IRC National Championships in the Solent.
rorc.org
rorcrating.com
Twitter:  #rorcrtr #rorcracing

Calero Marinas has developed and manages three marinas in the Canary Islands, having accrued over 35 years' experience in the sector. The Canaries' warm climate and regular supply of breeze has lead Lanzarote to become a favourite training ground for offshore race teams, whilst the combination of good flight connections and easily available services has created a popular and reliable base for international sailors. Marina Lanzarote is the newest addition to the group with secure berthing for vessels of up to 60m LOA, a wide range of services and the advantage of having the city and maritime quarter within a few minutes' walk. The new shipyard is equipped to hoist superyachts and the inclusion of deep keel pits in the yard's design was considered especially to meet the needs of transoceanic racing yachts. www.caleromarinas.com

ROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUB:
20 St James's Place
London SW1A 1NN
RORC RACE ENQUIRIES: rorc.org

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2015 RORC Transatlantic Race: Life in the Fast Lane (2014 video)

Above: RORC Transatlantic Race 2014 - Transatlantique à la voile de Lanzarote à Grenade sur un Class 40 en 14 jours, du 30 novembre au 14 décembre 2014. - Transatlantic sail from Lanzarote to Grenada on a Class 40 in 14 days, from November 30 to December 14, 2014.

THE RORC TRANSATLANTIC RACE:

• The second RORC Transatlantic Race starts in Lanzarote on Saturday 28th November 2015 and the 2,995 nautical mile race runs through the Canary Islands before crossing the Atlantic to arrive in Grenada
• The race is run in association with the International Maxi Association (IMA) 
• The winner of the inaugural RORC Transatlantic Race Trophy for best elapsed time under IRC in 2014 was Jeremy Pilkington's Lupa of London. The Baltic 78 was also presented with the International Maxi Association's Line Honours Trophy at a prizegiving ceremony held at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina at the finish in Grenada 

2015 RORC Transatlantic Race - In association with the International Maxi Association - Race begins Saturday 28th November - Start: Lanzarote - Finish: Grenada

Life in the Fast Lane
Competitors in the RORC Transatlantic Race, jointly organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club and the International Maxi Association, are making their way to the start from Marina Lanzarote with many of the international fleet sailing thousands of miles to take part in the second edition of the race. However, just 10 days before the start, Tony Lawson's MOD 70, Concise 10 was still in its home port of Hamble, UK, over 1,500 miles from the start line. For the RORC Transatlantic Race, Concise 10, skippered by Ned Collier Wakefield will be taking on Lloyd Thornburg's Phaedo3 in a high speed duel across the Atlantic.

"Trying to get south at this time of year when you have depression after depression rolling across the Atlantic always makes things interesting, so it is going to be a fairly fruity delivery for Concise 10," commented Collier Wakefield. "We have had quite a lot of work to do on the boat to get ready for the RORC Transatlantic Race and with our base in Hamble and all the team living close by, there was no reason to leave earlier. We originally planned to leave on Monday 16th November but the change in that decision was driven by the weather. Our primary goal for the delivery is to arrive in one piece and with several weather depressions coming through, we are holding out for a weather window on Friday 20th November."

Legendary French solo sailor Francis Joyon, concurs with Concise 10. Joyon's Maxi-trimaran, IDEC SPORT is on amber alert in the Bay of Biscay for an assault on the Jules Verne Trophy. The French team may leave on Saturday at roughly the same time as Concise 10 pass their proposed start.

Collier Wakefield describes the weather scenario: "This departure takes into account more favourable conditions with a shift in the breeze to the north west, we should have about 15-20 knots, a good angle to get out of the English Channel and past Ushant. The breeze is due to build later on to 35 knots and we really want to stay just in front of that all the way down, which will mean sailing the boat to about 80% of its capability until we reach Cape Finisterre. Once we make the Portuguese coast, the weather should settle down considerably with the depressions passing north over the top of us so we should have a fast downwind ride to Lanzarote.

"At the moment, we are looking at three and a half days for the delivery, which over 2,000 miles will be very quick. We are looking at boat speeds often over 30 knots and in the early part of the delivery, the northwesterly wind chill factor will be about -5ºC, so it will be woolly hats, thermals, boots, full dry-suits, helmets and goggles."

The RORC Transatlantic Race is organised under ISAF Offshore Special Regulations, RORC Prescriptions, Category 1 plus Satellite Phone. Competing yachts are inspected before the start to ensure that they have complied with the regulations. Concise 10 will also be following these regulations for the delivery to Lanzarote.

"Safety on board is always hugely important and is always at the forefront of our minds," commented Collier Wakefield. "We have been going through all of our MOB and capsize procedures and we have everything in place with Falmouth Coastguard. On deck, all of the crew will be wearing lifejackets at all times and a bum-bag containing an AIS Beacon, knife and torch - nobody is allowed on deck without them. We are very vigilant towards all aspects of safety. Concise 10 is carrying, to the letter, all of the safety equipment required for the RORC Transatlantic Race and we are sailing with the full race crew.

"Once we get to Marina Lanzarote we will take a day off and then we will be sailing everyday to practice in the conditions for the RORC Transatlantic Race. We are really looking forward to it and it is exciting to line up against Phaedo again. We are under no illusions that they have had a lot more time on their boat than we have, and effectively it will be a one-design match race across the Atlantic. I don't want to ramp it up, but we have met each other twice and we have come out one-all so far. Phaedo have been pushing their boat hard, breaking lots of records and it is going to be very interesting to see how we come out against them. More than anything, it will be really enjoyable racing in two boats with such enormous capability in trade winds with Atlantic swell across an ocean."

Marina Lanzarote is finalising preparations for the start of the RORC Transatlantic Race with a full social calendar for all competitors and invited guests. The Welcome Reception at the Real Club Náutico de Arrecife is on Monday 24th November with the Westerhall Rum Party, held in Marina Lanzarote the following day. There will be social activities every evening in the week before the start, including the Gala Dinner on Thursday 27th November.

For more information about the RORC Transatlantic Race: www.rorctransatlantic.rorc.org
source: Press Release 19 November 2015

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2015 RORC Transatlantic Race, Lanzarote to Grenada (Maxi videos)

Above video: Volcano Race 2015 - Line Honours Video - IMA - International Maxi Association


Above: Rolex Capri Sailing Week 2014 - IMA - International Maxi Association

IMA | News: "Competitors in the RORC Transatlantic Race - which is jointly organised by the International Maxi Association (IMA) - are making their way to the start from Marina Lanzarote. The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) announced that the Caribbean island of Grenada would continue to host the international fleet at the end of their 3,000 nm Atlantic race. The final and longest race in the annual RORC racing programme counts towards the 2016 Season's Points Championship series. A dozen teams including both corinthian and professional sailors from France, Great Britain, Belgium, Russia, Spain and Canada will compete for an impressive array of silverware, including the fine vintage silver trophy presented by the International Maxi Association (IMA) for monohull line honours."

2015 RORC Transatlantic Race
In association with the International Maxi Association
When: Saturday 28th November - Start: Lanzarote - Finish: Grenada

For more information: http://rorctransatlantic.rorc.org/

About the RORC Transatlantic Race:

• The second RORC Transatlantic Race starts in Lanzarote on Saturday 28th November 2015 and the 2,995 nautical mile race runs through the Canary Islands before crossing the Atlantic to arrive in Grenada
• The race is run in association with the International Maxi Association (IMA) 
• The winner of the inaugural RORC Transatlantic Race Trophy for best elapsed time under IRC in 2014 was Jeremy Pilkington's Lupa of London. The Baltic 78 was also presented with the International Maxi Association's Line Honours Trophy at a prizegiving ceremony held at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina at the finish in Grenada 
• THE ORGANISERS:
• Established in 1925, The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) became famous for the biennial Fastnet Race and the international team event, the Admiral's Cup. It organises an annual series of domestic offshore races from its base in Cowes as well as inshore regattas such as the RORC Easter Challenge and IRC National Championships in the Solent
• The RORC works with other yacht clubs to promote their offshore races and provides marketing and organisational support. The RORC Caribbean 600 based in Antigua and the first offshore race in the Caribbean, has been an instant success and last year the RORC extended its organisational expertise by creating the new RORC Transatlantic Race from Lanzarote to Grenada in November 2014 
• The club is based in St James' Place, London and Cowes, Isle of Wight
• In co-operation with the French offshore racing club, UNCL, RORC is responsible for IRC, the principal international handicap system for yacht racing worldwide.The Spinlock IRC rating rule is administered jointly by the RORC Rating Office in Lymington, UK and UNCL Centre de Calcul in Paris, France. The RORC Rating Office is the technical hub of the Royal Ocean Racing Club and recognised globally as a centre of excellence for measurement. For Spinlock IRC rating information in the UK please see: www.rorcrating.com 

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http://rorctransatlantic.rorc.org/
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INTERNATIONAL MAXI ASSOCIATION (IMA):

• The racing activities for the Maxi as a separate class started in Porto Cervo in 1980 with the first Maxi Yacht Cup. Immediately afterwards an association of the Maxi owners was founded under the name "International Class A Yacht Association" (ICAYA) with Baron E. de Rothschild elected the first President of the Class. The legal office was created in Geneva, Switzerland. "Class A" was the definition of a Maxi boat in the IOR rating system in force at that time. The following year Gianfranco Alberini was appointed first Secretary General of the Association. ICAYA organized the Maxi Yacht World Championship for many years in Porto Cervo as its European base, as well in other venues in USA - Honolulu, Newport R.I., Miami, St. Thomas, San Francisco. In Europe Puerto Portales, Antibes and Saint Tropez were selected as championship locations
• When the definition "Class A" disappeared with the change from IOR it was decided to rename the Class as "International Maxi Association" (IMA). The Class is now registered in Geneva (Switzerland), has a base in Porto Cervo and an office in the USA, for rating and technical matters. The Class is now expanding its activities, and in 2010 the first Mini Maxi World Championship took place in September in Porto Cervo, Italy, In 2011 the new Rolex Volcano Race opened the Mediterranean sailing season
• Andrew McIrvine took over as Secretary General in 2013. In 2014 the pure racer Mini Maxis were reformed into the Maxi 72 Class. The IMA has organised previous Maxi Transatlantic races but this is the first in association with RORC. IMA has presented a vintage trophy for line honours for this new race
• IMA is a recognized member of the IRC Congress. Since November 2010 ISAF has recognised the Maxis as an international class. This means that the International Maxi Association is now the sole authority with the right to hold World and Continental Maxi Championships

more info: http://www.internationalmaxiassociation.com/

source: RORC Press Release: 11 November 2015

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