Krys Ocean Race - New format dedicated to oceanic multihulls

by Multi One Design on 3 Dec 2013 Due to the difficulties of mobilising the competitors in this complicated economic environment, the organiser and partners (MOD SA, Krys Group, Brest) are postponing the second edition of the Krys Ocean Race until 2016 (it was originally scheduled for May 2014) and moving to a four-year cycle, alternating with the Route du Rhum.

The conditions to guarantee an event that aims to be the first transatlantic race 100% for multihulls were not met. Supported by the race partners, the Opticians Krys and the City of Brest, and buoyed by a first successful edition in 2012, when nearly 350,000 visitors came to the race village in Brest, the organisers had ambitious goals for this second edition on both a sporting level and as mode of communication. With six months to go until the event, there was still too much uncertainty hanging over this second edition in terms of participation, particularly among the MOD70. The organisers have already initiated discussions with other multihull classes to expand the fleet and create a new event dedicated to oceanic multihulls...This will be the format for the next edition in 2016.

Marco Simeoni, President of MOD SA: 'It is with great sadness that we have decided to postpone the Krys Ocean Race, which was due to be a great sporting event for the MOD70 fleet. A difficult economic climate, coupled with some strategic choices by some partners and owners, has unfortunately forced us to postpone the event. MOD and its partners, Krys and Brest, are reflecting on a format for the future editions which will ensure the success of this race both in sporting and economic terms.'

Jean-Pierre Champion, Director General of Krys Group: 'Everyone remembers the images from the first edition: The 'Formula 1' of the seas, at the foot of Manhattan, racing to reach Brest in less than five days; a feat by each crew which echoes the daily demands on the 880 teams of Krys opticians. The second edition has to be even more ambitious and special.'

Therefore, the event will evolve and broaden its scope by welcoming all multihull classes over 50 feet (Multi 50 - MOD70 - Ultimate). This large ocean race will become the ultimate event in the sailing world, bringing together the most prestigious and fastest ships on the planet on an ocean route, which this time, will take the multihull fleet from Brest to New York.

Krys Ocean Race in numbers:
- Brest-New York City start-finish alternates every four years
- 2,950 miles of suspense in the North Atlantic
- Transatlantic Race reserved for multihulls
- Record crossing in 2012: 4 days 21 hours 8 mins Multi One Krys