IMOCA 60 Europa Race postponed to 2012

Ten Open 60 teams to enter event starting from Istanbul

The IMOCA Executive Committee and Event Committee got together on 31 May to study the postponement of the Europa Race and its consequences on the calendar.

Olay Nautic, organiser of the race, didn’t have enough competitors to run the event on the scheduled date, originally set to be 1 July 2011.
The common objective which they and IMOCA in mind, of a fleet of 10 boats, wasn’t achieved.

After consulting the skippers, IMOCA suggested to Olay Nautic that they postpone the race until the spring of 2012. Eleven teams have pledged to participate in the Europa Race, which now rescheduled to start in Istanbul in May 2012.

Through this decision, the Class is confirming its desire to have a European Tour (Europa Race) on its schedule every two years, alternating with a round the world race. Positioned prior to the Vendée Globe and the Barcelona World Race, the Europa Race will proved promotion across Europe, a geographical area that accommodates the bulk of the IMOCA fleet.

On a competitive level the Europa Race, which is run fully crewed, offers a platform for fine tuning sessions for the boats.

To suit the needs of the skippers a new feature is that one leg of the race will be sailed singlehanded prior to the Vendée Globe and double-handed configuration prior to the Barcelona World Race.

Cumali Varer, President of Olay Nautic, is already working on a new race format which will be presented between now and 15 July 2011.

Clearly this postponement alters the scheduled programme, particularly as regards The Transat, which was originally due to set sail in May 2012.