Doublehanded to Spain

Royal Southampton YC unveil 500 mile race slated for June 2009

The Royal Southampton Yacht Club, the leading organiser of two-handed yacht racing in the UK, is planning a 500-mile double handed race, from the Solent to Northern Spain in June next year.

The Biscay Challenge Race builds on the experience of earlier races organised by the Club from the Solent to Santander, and draws on its experience of pioneering double handed racing and organising successful double-handed events over 30 years.

Destination is to be Hondarribia, in the heart of the Basque country, between San Sebastian and Biarritz. The Club is teaming up with Euskadiko Kirol Portuak, operators of a modern marina in Hondarribia, where competitors will be moored.

First details of the race were unveiled simultaneously at the Royal Southampton’s Ocean Village headquarters, and at the Barcelona Boat Show which opened this weekend.

Competitors will leave the Solent on Saturday , June 13, 2009 and the race should take four to five days.

Entries are to be invited from IRC – Class 40 – Class 6.50 (Mini Transat) – MOCRA Multihulls

A mother ship will be available during the Race for the Mini’s.

Race Director for the Royal Southampton, former commodore Roger Townsend, said: “The destination signed, Hondarribia, is otherwise known as Fuentarrabia, in the heart of the Basque country, and is right on the French/Spanish border. Its sister town across the border is Hendaye.

“Our partners, Euskadio Kirol Portuak, operate a modern marina with all facilities on the edge of the main town, alongside a broad sandy beach.

“I have visited Hondarribia with my Assistant Race Director, Ander Echabe, and it is a very pretty old town of about 14,000 population, which swells to about 40,000 in high summer. We met various personalities, from the Mayor to Xabier Fernadez and Iker Martinez, who won Silver in the 49er class in the Beijing Olympics and Gold at Athens.

“Importantly, we checked out suitable bars, restaurants and hotels that could act as focal points for our competitors.

“We have what I believe to be a lovely location, with a very friendly and willing marina staff, who together with the traditional RSYC Double Handed camaraderie, will provide a warm welcome and pleasant visit to all our competitors.

All we need to do now is to attract sufficient entries to make the Biscay Challenge a memorable and competitive race and although we have already firm interest from a number of prospective competitors, I look forward to hearing from anyone else who might like to find out more about it.’

For Further Information Contact :
Cathy Crawley
Racing Secretary
Royal Southampton Yacht Club
www.rsyc.org.uk
T: +44(0) 23 8021 0872
Email: sailing@rsyc.org