The Race

Ellen MacArthur

"Round the world, across the Atlantic, Round Britain... many sailors who have done these three might suggest that the rocky shores of the British Isles pose perhaps the greatest challenge of all." - Ellen MacArthur, Yachting World August 2002.

Non-stop around the British Isles
On Sunday 30 May 2004, the 72ft Global Challenge race yachts will leave Southampton to battle it out in a non-stop circumnavigation of Britain and Ireland. The newly re-fitted race yachts will be under the command of a Global Challenge Race Skipper. They will be assisted by a professional mate, allowing up to 16 ordinary men and women per yacht to take part.

1,800 nautical miles course
Starting and finishing in the Solent from the Royal Yacht Squadron Line, the Race is particularly interesting with many changes of weather and tidal conditions expected on the 1,800 nautical miles course around rugged headlands and off-lying islands. The teams are expected to take around 12 days to complete the course. The yachts will be skippered by their Global Challenge race skipper.