11th December 2023 to 17th December 2023
VO65: All Round Canary Islands Race 2023
From £2499 per person
Join the Austrian Ocean Racing crew on their VO65 for an inaugural great 660nm offshore race in the making.
Race dates: 13 - 17 December 2023
Training dates: 11 - 12 December 2023
Price: £2,499pp
The inaugural Canary Challenge Race is set to redefine 600nm+ offshore races. With VO65 and VO70 teams already signed up, you won't just spectate but race shoulder-to-shoulder with top professionals as a guest crew member on VO65 Sisi. Revel in this immersive race experience around the sun-bathed Canary Islands, a brief flight away from mainland Europe.
Training dates: 11 – 12 December 2023
Race dates: 13 – 17 December 2023
Marking its inaugural year, dubbed – the “Canary 600” – The Canary Challenge Race is all set to take the offshore racing scene by storm. Anticipated to be the next big 600 nautical miles plus offshore race, this event has already gained significant attention and commitment from several VO65 and VO70 teams, promising fierce competition and impressive performances.
Hosted amidst the sun-soaked winters of the Canary Islands, it provides not only the thrill of high-speed offshore racing but also a beautiful and serene holiday atmosphere, all within a short flight’s distance from mainland Europe. Organised by esteemed institutions such as the Royal Canary Sailing Federation, Royal Yacht Club of Arrecife, and Calero Marinas, the event promises an unparalleled experience of nautical sportsmanship in stunning surroundings.
- Travel to or from the boats
- Food ashore
- Onshore meals
- Shore-based accommodation
The Volvo 65
Drawn at Farr Yacht Design in the USA especially for the Volvo Ocean Race 2014/15 (now the Ocean Race), the strict one-design Vo65 replaced its predecessor, the Vo70. Every Vo65 is structurally identical down to the smallest detail. Same hull, same rig, same sails, same opportunities. This produced some of the closest racing the Ocean Race has ever seen.
As with its predecessor, the basic concept is a planing hull with a wide stern, double rudders, sharp edges and a swivel keel. The reverse bow is new. It extends the waterline and reduces the pounding in short waves, but provides plenty of spray on deck. The lateral plan has also been revised. The Vo65 dispenses with an angle of attack of the swords and instead relies on a lift profile to counteract the drift.
The rig is made by the New Zealand manufacturer Southern Spars. Southern Spars has a closely related history with The Ocean Race. They have been equipping the most successful teams for 25 years and were pioneers with the carbon mast in the 90s.
The entire set of sails is produced by North Sails. The 3Di technology patented by North Sails is also used in the Vo65. The sails are made from RAW760 Ultra PE / Aramid.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote
Training dates: 11 – 12 December 2023
Race dates: 13 – 17 December 2023
Marking its inaugural year, dubbed – the “Canary 600” – The Canary Challenge Race is all set to take the offshore racing scene by storm. Anticipated to be the next big 600 nautical miles plus offshore race, this event has already gained significant attention and commitment from several VO65 and VO70 teams, promising fierce competition and impressive performances.
Hosted amidst the sun-soaked winters of the Canary Islands, it provides not only the thrill of high-speed offshore racing but also a beautiful and serene holiday atmosphere, all within a short flight’s distance from mainland Europe. Organised by esteemed institutions such as the Royal Canary Sailing Federation, Royal Yacht Club of Arrecife, and Calero Marinas, the event promises an unparalleled experience of nautical sportsmanship in stunning surroundings.
Waterproof or soft kit bag (no hard cases with wheels)
Foul weather gear
2 complete sets of dry clothes
Passport
Sleeping bag
Hat and gloves
Sun cream
Any medication you require
Seasickness pills if needed
Water bottle
Warm layers as required
Safety knife
Headtorch
Sailing boots
