Second Krys Ocean Race postponed

Race organisers unable to raise enough interest in a Route du Rhum year

Difficulty in mobilising participants amid a complicated economic environment has led the organiser and partners (MOD SA, Krys Group, Brest) to postpone the second edition of the Krys Ocean Race in 2016 (originally scheduled for May 2014) and to start a four year cycle alternating the race with the Route du Rhum.

The conditions were not met to ensure an event that was aiming to be the first transatlantic race entirely for multihulls. Backed by committed partners, the Opticians Krys and the City of Brest, and with the background of a first race in 2012 which successfully attracted  almost 350,000 visitors to the race village in Brest, the organisers had ambitious goals for the second race, due to be held in 2014.

However six months out from the event, too much uncertainty remained over participation in the second among the MOD70 owners. The organisers had initiated discussions with other multihull classes such as the Multi 50 to expand the fleet with the aim of creating a new event purely for oceanic multihulls, but that is the idea that they hope to achieve in 2016 for the next edition.

Marco Simeoni, President of MOD SA: "It is with great sadness that we have decided to postpone the Krys Ocean Race which we were due to announce as the next great sporting event for the MOD70 fleet. But a difficult economic climate coupled with the strategic choice of some partners and owners we have unfortunately forced us to postpone the event."

Jean-Pierre Champion, CEO Krys Group: "Everyone remembers the images of the first edition: The 'Formula 1' of the sea departing Manhattan, rushing across the Atlantic, reaching Brest in less than five days - an amazing feat. The second edition should be even more ambitious and unique."

The event will therefore evolve broadly in concept by welcoming all multihull classes greater than 50 feet (50 Multi - MOD70 - Ultimate). This large ocean race will become a unique and final event in the world of sailing, bringing together the most prestigious and fastest yachts in the world on an ocean route from Brest in New York.