Atlantic Ocean Yacht Race Articles
Since departing Lanzarote on Sunday, the fleet initially compressed along the North African shoreline, bows edging steadily southwest as the wind gradient strengthened. By Day 3, that compression had eased. Courses opened, spacing increased, and the race slipped into its first true offshore phase — long miles, systems checks, watch routines and the steady accumulation of distance across open water.
This is where the RORC Transatlantic Race begins to reveal its character.
© roddyacqua
Once the bows turn west, the Atlantic takes over.
28-02-2026
Lanzarote to Antigua | Start Sunday 11 January 2026
The stage is set in the Canary Islands. On Sunday 11 January 2026, the RORC Transatlantic Race will once again send a diverse and compelling fleet westward from Marina Lanzarote, launching 21 teams on a 3,000-nautical-mile Atlantic crossing to Antigua.
Organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club in association with the International Maxi Association and the Yacht Club de France, the race is both an early-season cornerstone and a statement event in the global offshore calendar.
06-02-2026