Race NameEuropa Race 2012 Spring 2012
About the Race
With the two round the world voyages, this Round Europe race is one of the pillars of the IMOCA world championship programme. The event is raced every two years around Europe. A completely new concept enabling boats in the IMOCA Class to sail in waters that they do not often have an opportunity to encounter. The competitors have to deal with the Mediterranean, a demanding sea, where there are many hurdles and where the weather can be very unreliable. The Europa Race is also an opportunity for the sailors to sail with a crew and get the most out of their IMOCA monohulls. Finally, it is an interesting competition to allow them to prepare for the major single-handed or double-handed dates on the calendar.
The first edition of this race lived up to its promise. It took place in 2009 on a course between Istanbul and Brest via Nice and Barcelona. Six crews of five took part. After a thrilling duel, it was the crew of Foncia, led by Michel Desjoyeaux, who finally won the race ahead of Kito de Pavant’s Groupe Bel and the Spaniards on 1876.
The start of the next race around Europe is due to take place in spring 2012.
The Imoca class has entrusted the Olay Nautic Company based in Turkey with the organisation of this event. The organisation of this type of race is very different from a transatlantic or round the world race. The succession of legs means there is a very fast pace and the race brings together various cultures, reminding us of the history of major maritime routes.
After the long legs between European ports there is a series of inshore races, which allow the public, journalists and guests to share in the pleasure of sailing aboard a 60-foot IMOCA.
Information
Organisation : Olay Nautic
Start: spring 2012
Course: Turkey - Spain - United Kingdom - France
Distance: 4100 miles
Length: 1 month
Mode: crewed race
Weighting given in the IMOCA championship: 4
How often the race is run: every 2 years
Official Race website: www.europarace.com
