Final Countdown to the MailASail AZAB 2019
by Sarah-Jayne Leverton 29 May 2019 09:48 BST
1 June 2019
AZAB race start in 2015 © Helen Robson
It's just days until competitors from all over the world set sail from Falmouth for the exhilarating MailASail Azores and Back race 2019.
Competing yachts will race over 1,200 miles to the Azores island Sao Miguel. Once there, competitors have a chance for a brief respite, before turning around and racing the return1,200 mile leg single-handed, or in teams of two, back to Falmouth, in the hope of being crowned top of their class in 2019.
Race Director Ian Munday told us "We're very excited to be in the final stages of bringing the MailASail AZAB race back to Falmouth. We have around 50 competitors this year, including Golden Globe sailor Mark Slats in Maverick, as well as boats joining us from around the UK and further afield.
"Participants are either inbound or already arrived, so the excitement is rapidly building as participants are socialising and scoping out the competition. It's going to be a wonderful sight as everyone lines up on the start in the Carrick Roads, which spectators will be able to enjoy from various vantage points around the town and afloat".
Organised by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, the regatta is supported this year by title sponsor MailASail, specialists in satellite communications, alongside local partner sponsors Mylor Yacht Harbour and Rustler Yachts.
Spectators can witness the exciting race start in Falmouth from 12 noon on Saturday 1st June. You can also keep track of competitors throughout the race, see live updates and social streams online visit azab.co.uk/follow-the-azab.
There is lots more information about the race available on the event website, including photos of all the boats to look out for, competitor profiles and the full story of how the AZAB race began. So pop the date in your diaries and get ready to witness the MailASail AZAB 2019 get under way on 1st June.
www.azab.co.uk