Round Iceland Race launches

“We are really excited to offer the Round Iceland Yacht Race,” said Royal Western Yacht Club Rear Commodore Oceanic, Adrian Gray.

“The concept came from recent COVID contingency plans and wanting to offer a challenge equal to that of the OSTAR but starting and finishing in Plymouth.

“Fortunately, COVID has reduced sufficiently for us to run the OSTAR in two weeks, but the intrigue and appeal we have seen for this race has encouraged us to offer it as part of our four-year cycle moving forward.

“We are also very pleased to announce the race as a GSC mile builder, particularly as its founder, Marco Nannini, has such a strong history with RWYC. We hope that the race will feature a number of entrants to the GSC, as it is a great comparison to the challenge they will be taking on later in the year.

“Whether you are into oceanic racing or simply wanting to experience something unique with the safety factor our races provide and in the company of others, this has to be a future bucket list race.”

Founder of the Global Solo Challenge, Marco Nannini said: “Although we do not require that GSC competitors qualify in a race, we do encourage it.

“Preparing and planning for an event such as the newly launched Round Iceland Yacht Race provides an excellent framework whereby skippers will have a precise goal and will have to face the weather they find rather than be able to plan a passage over a good weather window.

“Sailing as far north as Iceland will also give them a taste of sailing in cold and damp conditions. We are very pleased about our partnership with the RWYC and the creation of this race, which can become a new classic.”

Notice of Race can be found on the club website.

rwyc.org