The return of Around Alone

Single handed round the world race returns to Rhode Island

To celebrate the race's 20th anniversary, the start of Clipper Venture's Around Alone race is to return to Newport, Rhode Island, where historically it first started in 1982 in its original incarnation as the BOC Challenge. Newport is also important historically as it was here over many beers at the end of the 1980 OSTAR that the race was originally conceived.
"We are delighted to bring this global event back to Rhode Island, where it began," commented Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman of the event's new owners Clipper Ventures and one of the original architects of the race. "The race - which is held every four years -
has matured greatly. I am happy that our long-time friends and supporters in Rhode Island will be able to take part in the festivities again in their home state."

However there will be a distinct difference. Although Newport will host the start and finish of the race, the 'race village' will be based in the Rhode Island capital of Providence. Clipper Ventures say the start will be in late September 2002.

Further details of the event are emerging. Recently - in a controversial move given that the race start is less than a year away - it was announced that Around Alone would be run under IMOCA (the Open 60 class association) rules in an attempt to attract more European Open 60s to take part. Those such as Graham Dalton with boats built to the original Around Alone rules are now having to spend extra money to make their boats comply.

The route of the event now looks to be Newport to the UK - to either Falmouth, Plymouth, Southampton or Portsmouth would be our bet - then to Cape Town, Auckland, Salvador (Brazil) and back to Newport. In total this will amount to around 28,800 miles making Around Alone the world's longest singlehanded round the world race.

At present Clipper Ventures believe the race will attract more than 20 boats. These will include Californian entrant Brad van Liew who this summer bought Mike Garside's Open 50 Magellan Alpha, the Finot design which came second in the last Around Alone. Among the French competitors will be monohull transatlantic and 24 hour record holder Bernard Stamm on Bobst Group - Armor Lux.

From the UK Miranda Merron, currently skippering Un Univers de Services in the Transat Jacques Vabre, is all known to be keen to take part. However there are many with Open class monohulls who have said they won't be taking part simply because the event clashes with the Route de Rhum, the all-important event in the French racing calendar.