The rebirth of a classic
The Transat the first single-handed transoceanic race born in 1960 will return in 2016. Some of the world's best solo sailors and most spectacular boats will sail the 2800 miles from Great Britain to the United States.
The 2016 edition will rightly return to its original starting port, Plymouth, with a start on May 2 for a finish off Manhattan, New York. This will be the first time that the American city will host the sailors of the transatlantic race, since the inaugural race 55 years ago.
"The arrival in New York is going to be a fantastic spectacle for the two sailors and the public. With the city's skyscrapers and the Statue of Liberty in the background. It's an iconic place. This race is a piece of life history and it's an extremely exciting moment to be able to see it again in this modern age. We can truly say that The Transat 2016 is the rebirth of a classic." explains Hervé Favre, the event director.
Recognized sailors
The Transat has introduced some of the world's great male and female sailors, including Sir Francis Chichester, Eric Tabarly, Dame Ellen MacArthur, Philippe Poupon, Loïck Peyron and Michel Desjoyeaux.
It offers a difficult and relentless challenge, upwind, through the wastes of the North Atlantic where the risks of big storms, icebergs, freezing fog, whales or floating debris are common.
Powerful boats
Over the years, The Transat has also served as a test bed for the latest innovations in boat design. The time of the first winner in 1960, which was 40 days, has greatly benefited from this, decreasing regularly. Loïck Peyron aboard the 60-foot Imoca Gitana, holds the record of 12 days, 11 hours and 45 minutes, in 2008. The multihull record belongs to Michel Desjoyeaux aboard Géant in 2004 with a crossing in 8 days, 8 hours and 29 minutes.
The boats invited to take part in the 2016 edition are the Class 40 monohulls, the multi 50s, the Imoca 60s and the Ultimes. This will be a good way to prepare for the Vendée Globe, which will also take place in 2016.
Registrations are open
40 boats are expected to be on the starting line on May 2nd and two sailors â?" one male and one female â?" have already confirmed their participation. The first is none other than Sébastien Josse, who will be at the helm of the new Edmonde de Rothschild Open 60, in preparation for the Vendée Globe. The second is the British sailor Miranda Merron, the first to be registered in Class 40 on Campagne de France.
