The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) Transatlantic Race started at 6:00 am AST on Sunday, 30 November from Puerto Calero Marina, Lanzarote, Canary Islands bound for Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, St George’s, Grenada. Eleven boats ranging from 40 to 100 feet began their sail of 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in this prestigious international regatta estimated to last ten days.
Originally scheduled to begin on Saturday, the RORC race was delayed on two occasions due to inclement weather in Lanzarote.
“The regatta will attract approximately 120 crew and their families, and has the potential to make contributions of between two to three million US dollars into our economy over a two-week period in December,” stated Mrs. Nikoyan Roberts – Manager of Nautical Development at the Grenada Tourism Authority’s third quarter press conference in October.
“Just over two years ago, the RORC decided to start a transatlantic race and it is just fantastic to see these yachts away. I am very proud to see them all going especially after the amazing weather we have had this week. The plan has come together, we have 11 boats for the first edition, but this race will grow and become a classic in the future,” said Eddie Warden Owen – CEO of the RORC.
The fleet’s journey across the Atlantic Ocean can be monitored online. The yachts competing are Apollo 7, Bingo, Lupa of London, Nomad IV, Oakcliff Racing, Optim’X, Sérénade, Sensation Class 40, Spirit of Adventure, Windfall, and Yacana.
The Grenada Tourism Authority together with Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina and Westerhall Rums plan to greet the yachts with Grenadian hospitality upon their berthing. The host of activities planned includes an official welcome and an awards ceremony on Saturday, 20 December, 2014.
