First test for Class Globe 5.80

The first event of the Class Globe 5.80 One Design Ocean Racing yacht is the Globe 5.80 Transat which sets off from Portugal to the Canary Islands for the first stage of 600 miles, followed by the 3000 mile second stage to Antigua.

For the new class which seeks to be an affordable option for those that want the challenge of offshore competition, the first stage was to start October 31 but has been delayed one day to provide Irish entrant Jim Schofield additional time to prepare. Six solo skippers will be now be on the start line November 1 for the leg from Lagos to Lanzarote.

The new amateur build plywood class, which released building plans 18 months ago, has attracted strong interest with 165 builders in 27 countries. The first six launched from five countries are all entered in this inaugural race…

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