This December, the sixth edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race is set to feature a huge variety of yachts racing across the Atlantic Ocean with the Royal Ocean Racing Club, with Port Louis Marina in Grenada welcoming the participating yachts in to berth after their penultimate race.
Enjoy the news report below!
Charlotte Bonin, Marina Manager
“The team and I are thrilled to be hosting the finish of the Transatlantic Race for the 3rd year in a row here at Port Louis Marina. It is one of the marinas main annual fixtures, and there is always much excitement welcoming the yachts into the marina. We look forward to welcoming back some old friends that are participating again, plus new participants. See you all at the finish line!”
One-design VO65s and Maxi yachts have expressed their goal to take line honours and a tilt at the race record. Teams racing optimised performance cruisers will be aiming for class and the overall win under the IRC Rating Rule. Two-Handed teams will add a fascinating dimension to this bucket-list race.
The Wally 100 Dark Shadow is the largest yacht on the entry list and although the 100ft Frers-designed carbon-fibre Maxi has close to 5,000 sq. ft. of sail area, she faces fierce competition for line honours. Dark Shadow’s Race Skipper will be Australian Yerin Hobson and the international crew have sailed for the owner in over 30 races, including two previous Transatlantic Races. The team’s first objective is to beat their own transatlantic race record of 11 days, 21 hours, 33 minutes.
Several Maxi yachts have expressed their interest to race as well as a number of One-design VO65s, including the Austrian Ocean Racing Project, a young team skippered by Konstantin Kobale. The VO65 Childhood 1 will be skippered by Dutch legend Bouwe Bekking who has sailed in eight round the world races in a career stretching back to 1985. In the last four editions of the Volvo Ocean Race, teams with Bekking as skipper have been on the podium three times. The race record of 10 days 5 hrs 47 mins 11 secs (2018 Pier Luigi Loro Piana’s Supermaxi My Song) is under threat from these ocean greyhounds.
Q&A with Charlotte Bonin
Q: How many yachts will you anticipate arriving?
So far, only 7 of the yachts have registered to be with us, but we will expect more bookings closer to December, and before the race departs from Lanzarote.
Q: What does Port Louis Marina do to welcome the yachts?
We are always so excited to welcome the arriving yachts into our marina. Each yacht will be met by a member of the Port Louis Marina team upon them crossing the finish line and guide them into the marina. Once safe and secure on the dock, we have a plentiful supply of local cold CARIB beer offered to the Captain and all Crew onboard to celebrate!
Q: Is December a busy time for Port Louis Marina?
The winter season for the Caribbean typically starts in November, and with the completion of the recent expansion project the marina now has 227 berths available. We do now have some extra space to accommodate more visiting yachts. Our marina is perfectly located for exploring the Grenadines, and Caribbean which typically becomes busier in the Caribbean season November to March.
If you are a RORC yacht, Port Louis Marina is pleased to offer you 5 consecutive days free berthing after the finish of the race. Any additional days after this time, will be offered with a 30% off the daily rate.
Click here to book your berth.