Round Britain & Ireland Race 2010

Round Britain & Ireland 2010 

This is a once in a life time opportunity to join a committed racing team and take part in the Round Britain and Ireland Race. “The longest and toughest offshore yacht race in the UK”. To date the non stop race has only been sailed three times.

This fully crewed race is over 2,000 miles. Starting and finishing in the Solent we will race clockwise around the British Isles and Ireland. Do not confuse this event with those that cut of half of Scotland by diverting through the Caledonian Canal or those that miss out Orkney, Shetland and the Hebrides.

The race is a “must” for serious offshore racers, those looking for new challenges and the select few who are driven to really push themselves. Just completing the course is an achievement in itself.

RORC are famous for organising the Fastnet race every two years. In non Fastnet years they organise various alternative long distance events. For 2010 it’s the big one, the RBI. The race is over three times longer than the Fastnet and is likely to take 9-14 days, during that time our crew will be totally self sufficient, working in watch patterns to keep the boat performing, riding out rough weather when it arrives and fixing breakages as they occur. They will take on everything the Atlantic Ocean and North Sea have to throw at them and will join the select few sailors who have successfully circumnavigated the UK non stop.

Many charter companies offer places on high profile English Channel races such as the Fastnet. Only the top few companies have the experience and skill to undertake this much bigger challenge.

We have selected a First 40.7 for the campaign as this design has proven to be tough and competitive. The Skipper and mate successfully raced the yacht throughout the 2009 RORC Offshore Series and will be adopting the proven formulae that led our Principal and his team to victory in the last RBI, winning the event and series both in class and overall.

The Campaign consists of three training weekends, 4 qualifying races and the RBI itself. We will train and race over various weekends from April and the RBI itself is in August. The package price is £5,250.  If you are interested, the first step is to discuss the campaign with either our Principal (Campaign Manager) or the Skipper. Once accepted a deposit of £250 will hold your place.

THE PROGRAM

Training Weekend 1 - afloat (9-11 April 2010). Welcome on the Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday will be devoted to sail training. Accommodation provided on board.

 Training Weekend  2 - afloat (23-25 April 2010). Briefing on the Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday will be devoted to sail training. Accommodation provided on board.

 ISAF Shore-based training weekend - (April, May or June 2010). Life raft and sea survival training takes place in the pool on Saturday. Heavy weather tactics are cover on the Sunday morning and offshore safety Sunday afternoon. 

 RORC Cervantes Trophy qualifying race - (1-2 May 2010). Our first race of the campaign start from Cowes and heads across the channel to Le Havre. The course will be between 90 and 160 miles. Following a meal out in France and a rest we will race back to Southampton on the Bank Holiday Monday. Accommodation provided on board.

 Trophee Guillaume Le Conquerant (2-3 May 2010). The return race is 95 miles back to Cowes. Accommodation provided on board.

 RORC Myth of Malham Round Eddystone Race (29-31 May 2010) Starting from Cowes the 230 mile course is to the Eddystone Lighthouse and back.

 RORC Morgan Cup Race (11-13 June 2011). Starting on the Friday evening the destination is still to be confirmed.

 RORC Round Britain & Ireland (23 August for 9-14 days). Crew meet Sunday for final preparation and to take the boat over to Cowes, race starts Monday from Cowes. 2,500 miles later we will have raced non stop around the UK and be back in Cowes.

 WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Five Offshore races and return passages (estimated at 3,000 miles)
• Three training weekends
• RYA Sea Survival Training and Certification
• RYA ISAF Offshore Race Crew training and Certification
• Campaign Management
• Experienced racing skipper and mate
• All meals, drinks and snacks on board
• Race entry fees and Onboard expenses (Diesel, Gas etc)
• Wet weather gear (should it be required) excluding boots
• Team shirt 

This race means many different things to different people; the challenge of participating in a race of this scale, circumnavigating the country, enduring the elements and the kudos of completing Britain's toughest race. To learn more about joining the team or to discuss specific requirements, including payment plans, please contact us.

Price £ 5,250 per person

Please call 01273 628648 or email: info@sailnetuk.com or use the enquiry button above