THE RACE

Single-handed transatlantic • Non-stop • 3,500 miles

HISTORY

Already set to feature over 30 skippers, Lorient’s new offshore race meet promises to gather together an exceptional line-up. Indeed, with the race being a welcome alternative to delivering the IMOCAs home or having them shipped back to Europe after the Transat Jacques Vabre, it comes with the added appeal of being part of a fair-trade programme thanks to a scheme to transport goods to the other side of the Atlantic under sail. Totally in keeping with the values of IMOCA and its racers, the Retour à La Base features two other key benefits: serving as a qualifier for the Vendée Globe 2024 whilst making the skipper-boat pairing more reliable, as well as counting towards a mile-based selection tally to validate its participation in the next ‘Everest of the Seas’.

THE BOAT: IMOCA 60

At 60 feet the monohulls are among the fastest modern racing boats. To maximise on speed the boats are built using light, but strong composite materials ensuring they can withstand the worst conditions on the open seas.