As Halvard Mabire, President of the Class40, told us on 12 June 2019, the 40-foot monohull class has been waiting for its round the world trip for three years. After the launch of the Globe 40 a 150-day round the world race, a double-handed race with 8 stopovers - which will start in 2021, class 40 welcomes a second round the world trip.
Manuka Sports Event Management and 5 Oceans Sports Marketing announced the launch of The Race Around. This round the world race is reserved for the Class40 and will be held in doubles at the end of the summer of 2023. Unlike the first round the world trip, this circumnavigation will take place on a more classic route with only 5 stops during this first edition.
The prologue will take place in a city in Northern Europe. Participants will then join Portugal, South Africa, New Zealand and Brazil. Then back to the departure city.
The start of The Race Around will be given in four years' time, giving the skippers time to prepare and qualify. The race will be open to professionals and amateurs alike.
"In our discussions with the Class40 Board of Directors and our business partners, we decided that 2023 was the best opportunity on the calendar. The four-year deadline gives potential participants enough time to raise funds and find sponsors, train and qualifier?; and for some, time to build a new boat. During the evaluation of the race calendar, we examined in detail the position of the Route du Rhum and, after consultation, we believe that the teams we are seeking to attract will prefer to race around the world after the Route du Rhum" said Hugh Piggin, event director.
The organizers - Hugh Piggin and Sam Holliday - have more than 30 years of experience in professional teams and have already collaborated in several races. Notably the Atlantic Cup, co-founded by Hugh Piggin. Sam Holliday has worked with several IMOCA and Class40 teams.
