THE AZORES & BACK RACE
Yachting Monthly UK|January 2024
Every four years Falmouth hosts a classic ocean race that's open to all; Angela Rice speaks to competitors about its demands and rewards
Angela Rice
THE AZORES & BACK RACE

 Some 38 boats from six European countries set off on 3 June to race 1,200 miles of open sea to the Azores and then race back to Falmouth a week later.

This was the 13th Azores and Back (AZAB) race since the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club in 1975 devised this fouryearly, Category 1, two-leg handicap race between Falmouth and Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, one of the nine Azores Archipelago Islands that lie in the northeastern Atlantic.

At 2,500 miles overall and starting and finishing in the UK, the race is popular, in part because it demands less commitment in time and expense than other ocean races. The race is for all-comers, from experienced racers sailing high-performance boats to local cruisers in need of a challenge.

The competing yachts ranged from 31 to 60ft in length, with two multihulls and one IMOCA taking part as well as a mix of single- and doublehanded boats. The yachts spanned five IRC classes.

At the start, the fleet crossed the east-west line between Falmouth’s Pendennis Point and Black Rock beacon in glorious sunshine. The flotilla circling the assembly area – including the Falmouth lifeboat – provided a carnival-spirit send-off. With the Manacles east cardinal mark on port tack and 1,200 miles of open sea ahead, most competitors hung back, only accelerating to the line after their class signal, with just a few racing starts.

‘We knew we would be trailing others for most of the race, so we decided a great start would be a morale boost!’ noted Graham Rice, sailing aboard Chimaera of Falmouth.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2024 من Yachting Monthly UK.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 2024 من Yachting Monthly UK.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من YACHTING MONTHLY UK مشاهدة الكل
I WAS THE ONLY SAILOR ON OUR FAMILY CHARTER AND IT HAD TO GO WELL
Yachting Monthly UK

I WAS THE ONLY SAILOR ON OUR FAMILY CHARTER AND IT HAD TO GO WELL

Crystal waters, cliff tombs and sunken outboards lain Willis wanted to ensure plain sailing for his family’s first charter around Turkey's Lycian Coast

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
HOW IT WORKS SEAWATER PUMP
Yachting Monthly UK

HOW IT WORKS SEAWATER PUMP

The water and oil seals on a water pump shaft will eventually wear with time, leading to pump-shaft corrosion or loss of engine oil.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
THOUSANDS OF MILES ACROSS THE INDIAN OCEAN
Yachting Monthly UK

THOUSANDS OF MILES ACROSS THE INDIAN OCEAN

Floris and Ivar battled severe weather and cross swell to sail from Australia to South Africa, but there were beautiful islands on the way

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
The secret of yachts with enduring appeal
Yachting Monthly UK

The secret of yachts with enduring appeal

Fashions come and go, but J-Boats remain a safe choice for great sailing boats, whether you want to own it for ever or sell it

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Tragic sinking of Bayesian; Italian prosecutors investigate
Yachting Monthly UK

Tragic sinking of Bayesian; Italian prosecutors investigate

The sinking of the Bayesian superyacht in reportedly only 16 minutes and the tragic loss of seven lives has sent a shudder through the sailing community and beyond.

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
THE ADVENT OF MARINE AI TECHNOLOGY
Yachting Monthly UK

THE ADVENT OF MARINE AI TECHNOLOGY

Fonathon Savill reports on the revolutionary impact artificial intelligence is about to have on all areas of life at sea

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
IMPROVING SINGLE-LINE REEFING
Yachting Monthly UK

IMPROVING SINGLE-LINE REEFING

Martin Watts explains how to reduce the friction on the reefing lines of newer yachts

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
The secrets of skippering a successful cruise
Yachting Monthly UK

The secrets of skippering a successful cruise

Setting off on a cruise is easy, but planning a route that keeps your options open and ensures the enjoyment of all on board is more of an art

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
CRUISING THE KINGDOM OF THE ISLES
Yachting Monthly UK

CRUISING THE KINGDOM OF THE ISLES

Joanna Martin and her husband Mark sail across the Irish Sea to the legendary sea kingdom and to draw the wonderful wildlife there

time-read
7 mins  |
October 2024
MOODY DS48
Yachting Monthly UK

MOODY DS48

Can a boat built for long-term, long-distance cruising and offering one-level living still deliver an enjoyable sailing experience? Theo Stocker sets sail across the English Channel to find out

time-read
10 mins  |
October 2024