Two years remain for Ocean Globe Race

A return to Corinthian ocean racing has 22 yachts representing 14 countries for the inaugural Ocean Globe Race which marks in 2023 the 50th anniversary of the first Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973-74. With the starting canon to release the fleet on the 10th of September 2023, the question remains as to where that will be.

“It would be exciting to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Whitbread Race with a start and finish in the UK,” noted Don McIntyre, the OGR Race founder and Chairman. “But there is strong competition from Europe to host what will be one of the major sailing events in the world in 2023-24, with other ports in South Africa, Australia, and South America also bidding to share the international spotlight.”

An announcement finalizing the course is expected early next year.

The first three Whitbread Races started and finished in Portsmouth before moving to Southampton in 1985. Previous ports of call have included Cape Town, Sydney, Fremantle, Auckland, Rio de Janeiro, Mar del Plata, Punta del Este, Sao Sebastio, and on one occasion, Fort Lauderdale, Baltimore, and La Rochelle.

Sir Chay Blyth, who competed in the 1973-74 and 1981-82 races, welcomes the return to corinthian racing around the world. “After the first Whitbread, these races gradually became more professional ending up with some very expensive and sophisticated yachts requiring disproportionate levels of sponsorship. That came to exclude amateur participation, something I’ve always railed against.

“Now, the Ocean Globe Race provides a return to that golden era of Corinthian sailing, encouraging entrants with standard production as well as historic Whitbread yachts to provide amateurs with the opportunity once more to take on one of the world’s great challenges.

“I know of hundreds who, given the opportunity, would jump at the chance of making a circumnavigation via Cape Horn. For many it will be a once-in-a-lifetime shot. The trick now is to grasp it with both hands!”

The race is limited to ocean-going fiberglass yachts designed before 1988, and permitted equipment excludes computers, satellites, GPS, and high-tech materials. Navigation is by sextant and music by cassette tape.

With the goal of 34 teams to compete, the races has two classes for production yachts – Adventure Class (47-55ft) and Sayula Class (56-65ft) – and a third Flyer Class for previous Whitbread entrants from the first three editions of the original races.

Details: https://oceangloberace.com/

Source: OGR