RORC Transatlantic Race: Key Destinations for Achieving Success
RORC Transatlantic Race – Destinations for Success
The 11th edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race starts on Sunday, 12th January from Marina Lanzarote, Canary Islands, and will finish at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in Grenada, Caribbean.
Engaging the spirit of adventure, the challenge of racing across the Atlantic Ocean is an exhilarating experience for sailors. Proper planning is crucial for success in this great undertaking, and celebrating the achievement is equally important.
Calero Marinas – Marina Lanzarote
Marina Lanzarote offers world-class facilities essential for a successful race. With 300 modern visitor berths and deepwater slips, it features a full-service boat yard, 4,000m² of hard standing, and 820-tonne and 100-tonne travel hoists. The marina provides various dining options and is conveniently located near the traditional maritime quarter of Arrecife.
The combination of exceptional facilities and the experience of hosting numerous international yachting events makes Marina Lanzarote the ideal starting point for the RORC Transatlantic Race. The Calero family has been a pioneer in marina services in the Canary Islands since the 1980s, with three marinas across Lanzarote and La Palma, and a new development, Marina Jandía, set to offer 310 berths.
“Few things beat the thrill of watching the magnificent RORC Transatlantic Race fleet depart from Lanzarote’s shores, preparing to take on the lengthiest challenge in the world’s largest offshore racing series,” commented Juan José Calero, CEO of Calero Marinas. “This race is one of the annual highlights and an inspiration to the crowds of admirers that come to enjoy the atmosphere. Marina Lanzarote eagerly awaits next January’s event, marking the prestigious Royal Ocean Racing Club’s centenary!”
Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina – Grenada
The emotional celebration when teams finish the RORC Transatlantic Race is palpable, with sailors rejoicing after racing 3,000 miles non-stop across the Atlantic. The finish line lies just a few miles from Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, where a warm and enthusiastic welcome awaits, complete with ice cold beers and a basket of Grenadian goods from the Grenada Tourism Authority.
Port Louis Marina is an award-winning facility known for its outstanding services and amenities. It offers 227 berths for yachts up to 90 metres and is situated across a picturesque lagoon outside Grenada’s vibrant capital, St. George’s. The marina includes a secure, gated environment, ample parking, an on-site Port of Entry for convenient clearance, two excellent restaurants, and the renowned Victory Bar & Restaurant, perfect for relaxation and celebration post-race.
Zara Tremlett, General Manager of Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, recently shared the community’s response following Hurricane Beryl, which affected neighboring islands. Thankfully, Port Louis Marina experienced limited damage, and the community has shown remarkable generosity in aiding the Grenada Relief Fund. The Marine & Yachting Association has been actively raising funds to support local fishing fleets and the yachting community.
A new development at Port Louis Marina began at the end of 2023, to be operational before the 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race. This includes a café, bar, and poolside restaurant, along with an expansion of the Victory Bar & Restaurant for extra seating and a BBQ area. The refurbishment of the swimming pool has also been prioritized for the start of the season, ensuring its availability for berth holders.
Zara continued, “There is always excitement when the RORC fleet arrives at the marina, so we invite local community sailing school children to meet the crew and view the fleet on the docks. This initiative is part of our CSR program aimed at fostering community relations and education in the marine industry.”
The RORC Transatlantic Race is organized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with Yacht Club de France and the International Maxi Association, supported by Puerto Calero Marina Lanzarote, Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, Grenada, and Grenada Tourism.
The race winner is determined by IRC time correction for the RORC Transatlantic Race Trophy. Over the past decade, winning yachts have varied in size from 33 to 100 feet (10.1m to 30.5m). The IMA Transatlantic Trophy is awarded for Monohull Line Honours, with separate trophies for Multihull Line Honours. Class prizes are also available in various categories, including IRC and MOCRA Division winners, as well as the Class40 champion.
The 3,000-mile RORC Transatlantic Race is the first race of the year, celebrating the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s centenary. It holds the distinction of being the longest race in the RORC Season’s Points Championship, recognized as the world’s largest offshore racing series.
For more information, including online entry and the Notice of Race, visit www.rorctransatlantic.rorc.org.
Ava Thompson, a skilled sailor and marine journalist from Auckland, has developed a deep connection to the ocean that guides her work. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Auckland, Ava is known for her engaging and detailed storytelling. Her writing brings to life the thrill of sailing and the unique maritime culture of New Zealand, earning her recognition in the sailing community. Outside of her journalism, Ava enjoys exploring the rugged coastlines of New Zealand and competing in local regattas, always in search of her next seafaring adventure.