ST JOHN’S, Antigua – International Maxi Association (IMA) has joined forces with Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) in the organisation of the inaugural RORC Transatlantic Race and will be awarding an exquisite vintage sterling silver trophy to the Line Honours winner.
IMA invites the expanding Maxi fleet to a new format of a classic autumn competition, starting from Puerto Calero, Lanzarote on November 29 and racing 2,800 nautical miles across the Atlantic to the inviting waters of Grenada in the Caribbean.
“The IMA’s support will provide a resounding endorsement of RORC’s new Transatlantic Race which has a strong future. With time, it will attract a large and competitive fleet that aspires to a real challenge and strong competition in a warm water race to the Caribbean,” said IMA Secretary General Andrew McIrvine who is pleased with the RORC association for the race.
“The IMA are pleased to support the RORC organisation and are delighted that the beautiful island of Grenada has been chosen for the finish of the race.
“The IMA will continue the partnership with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda with a planned rally and party at its yacht club in British Virgin Gorda following the finish of the RORC Transatlantic Race.”
IMA has been expanding its activities since 2010 when the first Mini Maxi World Championship took place in Porto Cervo, Italy with 24 entries from two continents and 49 Maxis participating in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup.
Its growing membership boasts 12 honorary members and 60 members with boats such as RÁN, Sojana, Alegre, Bella Mente and Nilaya regularly competing in the RORC’s international racing programme of over 20 races, including the RORC Caribbean 600 and Rolex Fastnet Race.
It is anticipated that a strong fleet of Maxi, Mini-Maxi and Superyachts will take part in the inaugural RORC Transatlantic Race that also allows them to compete in Caribbean regattas before heading back to the racing season both sides of the Atlantic.
Grenada Tourism Authority with Camper & Nicholsons Marinas will host the first edition of the race to the ‘Spice Island’ of Grenada, which will also act as a set-up for The Atlantic Ocean Racing Series.
This quadrennial event is run jointly by the New York Yacht Club, Royal Yacht Squadron, RORC and Storm Trysail Club.
It starts in February 2015 with the RORC Caribbean 600; followed by the Transatlantic Race from Newport, Rhode Island to England; the Rolex Fastnet Race and finally, the Rolex Middle Sea Race.