Pete Goss takes up Falmouth's 2027 'community-powered' AZAB Challenge
by Louise Midgley 9 May 06:52 PDT
6 June 2027
Pete Goss and Dave Summers in their new Cornish-built Dazcat 'DMS Vinyl' © Mark Lloyd /
www.lloydimages.com
World-renowned sailor Pete Goss MBE is supporting Falmouth's Azores and Back race team with ambitious plans to evolve the 2027 AZAB Challenge into a more outward-facing, community-powered and sponsored event - which stays true to its Corinthian roots.
Organised by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club (RCYC), the two-leg, 2,400-nautical-mile race between Falmouth Harbour and Ponta Delgada in the Azores has been a fixture of ocean sailing since the 1970s. The 2027 edition aims to build on that heritage by creating an event that not only challenges sailors but actively showcases Cornwall to an international audience.
Westcountry maritime figure Pete Goss and co-skipper Dave Summers are supporting the volunteer-led organising committee, contributing ideas to help strengthen the event's connection with communities, schools and businesses across the county.
Pete first came to global prominence during the 1996-97 Vendée Globe solo round-the-world race, when he turned back into a Southern Ocean storm to rescue fellow competitor Raphaël Dinelli from a life raft - sailing more than 100 miles into hurricane-force conditions. In recognition of his actions, he was awarded France's Légion d'Honneur, appointed MBE by Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and named World Sailor of the Year.
"I've always wanted to compete in the AZAB - it's one of Britain's few remaining true ocean races and a uniquely Cornish event," says Pete.
"What's exciting about 2027 is the opportunity to build on that and connect it directly with our local communities - so AZAB is not just something people watch, but something they feel part of."
As part of this approach the race start will move to a Sunday, creating space for an "open day" celebration on the Saturday. Plans are under way for people and organisations of all sorts to "adopt" competing yachts and engage with boats and crews before they leave the pontoons and throughout the race.
Alongside the sporting challenge, AZAB 2027 presents a growing commercial opportunity - with the RCYC currently seeking a title sponsor and a wider network of partners aligned with the event's values - offering a platform that combines international reach with strong local identity and impact.
"Pete Goss and Dave Summers are bringing an inspiring and ambitious energy to the event — developing it into something that belongs not just to the competitors but is a much wider shared experience" says RCYC Race Director Sarah Hancock.
"They'll be competing in their Cornwall-built catamaran, offering a high-profile platform for brand visibility and local and international engagement throughout the race - creating a real sense of celebration in the lead-up to race day."
Interest in the race is already high, with more than 170 expressions of interest from 15 countries. The final fleet will be limited to 60 boats, maintaining the race's distinctive "Corinthian" spirit of challenge, camaraderie and adventure.
RCYC Acting Commodore Chris Davis says, "We've been delighted by the level of enthusiasm so far and to have Pete Goss and Dave Summers on board is a real bonus. It's fantastic to see returning competitors alongside a new generation of sailors keen to take on the AZAB challenge for the first time."
The race will start from Falmouth in June 2027, with each yacht carrying a tracking system, allowing supporters to follow competitors in real time across the Atlantic to the Azores and during the return leg to Cornwall. Open to both solo sailors and double-handed crews, the event offers an accessible entry point into ocean racing, while still demanding skill, resilience and determination.
Falmouth Harbour CEO Miles Carden says, "This is exactly the kind of event Falmouth Harbour does really well and we'll make sure the AZAB fleet and her crews feel right at home as they prepare for their start.
"The 2027 AZAB will build into a great spectacle on the water, with a real special Falmouth send-off - and I look forward to seeing a large flotilla of local boats escorting the fleet out of the Harbour."
With its blend of tradition, ambition and community focus, AZAB 2027 is shaping up to be a landmark moment for one of the UK's most distinctive ocean races.
As an exciting event starting and finishing at the very heart of Falmouth the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club greatly appreciates the support of local businesses - with sponsorship packages for the AZAB 2027 RACE available [PDF] and details of all events and activities of the RCYC at www.royalcornwallyachtclub.org