And now they are off!
22 November 2010At 1 pm today Sojana (GBR), Valkyrie (CAN) and Zefiro (CYP) crossed the starting line approx. 4
N.M. from the entrance of Tenerife marina, Canary Islands. They are competing in the third edition
of the Transatlantic Maxi Yacht Cup, organized by IMA in conjunction with Real Club Nautico de
Tenerife and the support of St. Maarten Yacht Club (Netherlands Antilles). Finish line is set 2.700
nautical miles ahead, off Pelican Cay, St. Maarten. Boats are expected to arrive there no later than
December, 6th . Final prize giving will take place in St. Maarten one day after the last boat to finish,
or on Tuesday, December 7th.
Owners Peter Harrison, Gerhard Ruether and Will Apold will do their best to beat the record
established by Beau Gest in 2009: 9 days, 8 hours, 54 minutes and 27 seconds.
The following trophies will be awarded in St. Maarten: the Transatlantic Maxi Cup to first yacht on
the line, a Trophy for the overall winner in IRC and Trophies for the winner in each IMA category.
The Transatlantic Maxi Yacht Cup was created in 2007, and then run in 2009 and now in 2010. The
event is promoted by the IMA in response to requests from owners for a transatlantic race dedicated
specifically to maxi yachts. The regatta will also contribute to the IMA’s efforts to establish a
seasonal circuit for maxis that will allow owners to compete in summer offshore events in the
Mediterranean and Europe before moving to the Caribbean for the traditional winter racing season.