Royal Cornwall Yacht Club officially launches multi-national Azores and Back 2027

'Chimaera' during the 2023 AZAB race © Graham Rice

The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club is delighted to officially launch its multi-national AZAB '27 event, offering sailors the opportunity to take part in a challenging but affordable two leg race from Falmouth Harbour (UK) to Ponta Delgada in the Azores and back.

Open to both single and double-handed crews, this race is designed to embrace the true spirit of "Corinthian" sailing with its focus on camaraderie, adventure and the joy of competition.

"It's fantastic to begin the countdown for the next AZAB race now, in the year we celebrate 50 years since we ran the first event in 1975," says RCYC Commodore Shane Carr. "It's a unique event held every four years - the only ocean race to start and finish in the UK - and it's a part of the Club's heritage that we are so proud of."

Already 49 skippers have expressed an intention to compete, representing eight nations and including at least five previous competitors. The 'Notice of Race' is now available on the AZAB website www.azab.co.uk and the RCYC is looking forward to a strong fleet of entries.

Starting from the historic port of Falmouth in June 2027, the race will cover a challenging course across the Atlantic Ocean, arriving in the stunning archipelago of the Azores for rest and relaxation and the opportunity to do any repairs and restocking of vessels before the return leg. With a distance of approximately 2,400 nautical miles in total, the race offers both experienced sailors and those newer to ocean racing a chance to test their mettle in a relatively affordable format.

The participation of both solo sailors and double-handed crews allows a wide range of skill levels to compete - with AZAB welcoming anyone who enjoys the challenge of long-distance ocean racing or is keen to experience the thrill of blue water sailing for the first time.

Race Director Sarah Hancock is excited to be involved again: "It's a race like no other," she says, "a chance to prove what you can achieve, an opportunity to make life-long friends, with an incredible level of support and encouragement from co-competitors as well as from the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club in Falmouth and the Clube Naval de Ponta Delgada in Sao Miguel at the starts and finishes.

"Importantly, it's designed to be accessible, with an emphasis on cost-effective entry and low-key, inclusive logistics but without any compromise on adventure or fun."

Every competing boat carries a 'tracker', allowing family, friends and anyone interested in the race to follow the action and watch progress.

As an incredibly scenic and exciting event starting at the very heart of Falmouth Harbour the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club greatly appreciates the support of local businesses - with sponsorship packages for both the AZAB 50 and the AZAB 2027 RACE available. Further details can be found at www.azab.co.uk

Azores and Back Race (AZAB) start in 2019 - photo © Ed Wildgoose