The Artemis Transat: The North Atlantic Alone
CYC To Host Historic Solo Ocean Race
The CYC has been named the official American host club for the Artemis Transat 2008, a non-stop, high-performance, single-handed race across the North Atlantic this May. Nearly 2,800 miles of often treacherous conditions will put some of the world’s best solo sailors to the test as they race from Plymouth, England starting May 11 and finish 10-14 days later in Boston and Marblehead.
Held every four years, The Transat is the oldest solo ocean race in history, and one that has seen many changes as technical advances evolve to fulfill racers’ passion for speed and innovation. This 13th edition of the race is no exception. A new class of 40-foot racers will join the state-of-the-art IMOCA 60s on the starting line. The 40s will finish in Marblehead, while the 60s will finish in Boston. The CYC race committee will run the Marblehead finish line and the Club is looking forward to hosting the 40s for a week. To date, 27 competitors are entered, with 16 IMOCA 60s and 11 of the new 40s.
| In addition to finishing and hosting the 40s, Corinthian Yacht Club will be well represented in the 60 class as International Members Mike Golding and Dee Caffari compete for a place on the podium. Golding, an accomplished solo sailor, will be looking to repeat his 2004 Transat victory. It may be touch and go, however, as his Ecover 3 suffered numerous structural and technical problems, including severe cracking in the keel during the Transat Jacques Vabre last fall. The boat is being refit with a new keel and upgrades to other systems. As a result, Golding and his team have been under pressure to get the boat ready as the clock ticks down to the start of a race with a long history of pushing both boat and skipper to the edge of endurance. |
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Dee Caffari is a relative newcomer to major offshore sailing events, having launched her career on the Global Challenge in 2005. But, while her offshore racing resume may be short, her accomplishments are staggering. In 2006, Caffari became the first woman in history to sail singled-handed, non-stop around the world against prevailing winds and currents. She will be one of only two women competing in the Artemis Transat, after which, she will set her sights on the Vendee Globe race starting in November.
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Competitors are expected to begin crossing the Marblehead finish line in late May. CYC members are invited to the Artemis Transat awards ceremony for the 40s taking place at the Club on June 5th.
For more information on the race, visit www.theartemistransat.com.
The excitement continues on Sunday, June 8th, when the Boston Yacht Club starts the Class 40 fleet on a race to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The yachts will then proceed to Quebec to prepare for the Quebec – St. Malo race later in July. For more information, visit www.marbleheadtohalifax.com/.
Artemis Transat Sailing Instructions
Housing Needed For Transat Solo Sailors
We are in need of housing for the sailors during their approximate one-week stay. There are 10 to 15 sailors anticipated. All they need is a warm bed, and after sailing nearly 3,000 miles in a 40-foot racing boat, even the lumpiest pull-out couch will feel like heaven. Estimated arrival is between May 26 and 30th.
If you have a spare bed for a weary sailor with some exciting tales of the sea, please contact Peter Dowd at pdowd@mmafin.com.
Marblehead Information for Visitors
For those visiting Marblehead during the race, please refer to the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce website for a directory of places to stay, dine, etc. We hope you enjoy your stay in historic Marblehead, MA!
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