Fuente info Scuttlebutt europe
A New Global Sailing Event - The Portugal Ocean Race
Details of a new around-the-world yacht race, the Portugal Ocean Race, announced in Lisbon. Today, in Lisbon, a new global around-the-world yacht race was announced. The venue was a replica of one of sailing's most famous landmarks, Peter's Cafe Sport. Surrounded by iconic images of legendary sailors like Eric Tabarly and Sir Francis Chicester, race co-founder Brian Hancock articulated his vision for the event.
"The world of offshore ocean racing is exploding," he said. "I am sure the sailors of old would be delighted to see how many people are interested is racing around the world. The Portugal Ocean Race is an affordable way for those sailors to realize their dream. We are limiting our entries to Class 40s only to take advantage of the exponential growth of this dynamic class. In addition to the solo and double-handed divisions we are introducing a new fully-crewed division. Teams of up to six people will be able to take part with four on board and the possibility of rotating crew out at each stopover. Suddenly the idea of a campaign, spread six ways, is a budget many sailors from around the globe can afford."
This strong foundation is enhanced by the skill and expertise of Race Director and event CEO Larry Rosenfeld, a highly experienced offshore sailor and businessman.
"We are building this event with the vision of it becoming the preeminent global around-the-world race," Rosenfeld said. "Because of Class 40 and the exceptional growth of the class, and because it's affordable and practical and offers sponsors a global platform to showcase their products at a time when budgets are tight, we feel that this race is the right race at the right time."
No great event is complete without great competitors and the first two to sign up for the race were on hand to lend their support. Sarah Outen has just completed an epic rowing voyage from Australia to Mauritius and Sally Kettle has rowed twice across the Atlantic. Sailing will be a new challenge to them but their skill, determination and credentials are beyond question.
