RORC Transatlantic Race to finish in Grenada

by Trish Jenkins on 19 Feb 2014 It has been revealed by the Royal Ocean Racing Club that the RORC Transatlantic Race will finish the 2,800 nm journey in Grenada. Grenada Tourism Authority with Camper and Nicholsons Marinas, will host the first edition of the race starting on November 29th 2014 from Puerto Calero, Lanzarote.

The Caribbean Island of Grenada is on the southern tip of the chain of islands known as the Windward Isles and the gateway to the stunning cruising area of the Grenadines. The chain of over 600 islands extends between Grenada in the south and St Vincent to the north.

Camper and Nicholsons Marinas are supporting the race by giving all finishers free berthing after arrival and discounted berthing for those who wish to stay for an extended period. The boats will be berthed in Port Louis Marina in St George's, the island's capital.

Grenada's Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Hon. Alexandra Otway-Noel said: 'The beautiful island of Grenada, with its quality infrastructure and welcoming people has been ready to entertain a partner as prestigious as RORC for some years. Being chosen as host country for the first running of this new race across the Atlantic firmly establishes our island as a destination of choice for yachting events in the Caribbean, from now on.'

'The RORC is delighted with the enthusiastic support we've received from both the Grenada Tourism Authority and Camper and Nicholsons Marinas and I know competitors will receive a warm welcome when they arrive on this beautiful island. The race with time will attract a large and competitive fleet who want a real challenge and strong competition in a warm water race to the Caribbean. The Island of Grenada has all the facilities to service these yachts,' commented RORC Commodore, Mike Greville.

Alongside the Maxi's and Superyachts, the fleet will include the typical seasoned RORC racer. RORC Rear Commodore Steven Anderson was first to sign up for the race with his Corby 40 Cracklin Rosie, and was joined by Nigel Passmore with his J/133, Apollo 7. The first foreign entry was from Spain, Ernesto Cortina's Baracuda 72, Gran Jotiti. For the latest entries and 'expressions of interest' follow the event minisite.

Yachts are expected to arrive in Grenada between 11th and 21st December, finishing in good time to enjoy a Spice Island Christmas. The prizegiving will take place on Saturday 20th December 2014.

The RORC Transatlantic Race is open to boats with a minimum IRC Rating of 1.004 and welcomes multihulls, IMOCA 60s, Class40s and other offshore one-designs such as Volvo 65'sto compete. The Race will also act as a feeder for yachts participating in the 2015 RORC Caribbean 600, held annually in February from Antigua and the start date allows time for competitors in the Rolex Middle Sea Race to get to the start of the RORC Transatlantic Race in good time.

The advanced Notice of Race will be superseded by the RORC Transatlantic Race Notice of Race in early March. Click here for A Guide for Entrants

To register interest and for more information, contact the RORC Race Office: racing@rorc.org.uk