The Portimão Global Ocean Race—the world’s first “Solo-Double” Race—has officially published their Notice of Race, the official document that governs next year’s solo/doublehanded round-the-world ocean race. “Publishing our Notice of Race is a defining moment for us and for our competitors who can now move their campaigns forward with the utmost confidence,” said Race Director Josh Hall. “The NOR is the official document that governs the event and sets in writing the rules and regulations under which the race is held. It also defines the start and finish dates for each leg so we are all set for the first leg to South Africa to get underway from Portimão on October 12, 2008.”

Unlike higher-profile, stiffer-competition shorthanded ocean-racing events such as the Vendee Globe, the Barcelona World Race, and the 5-Oceans, the Portimão Global Ocean Race is intended to be a stepping stone event for would-be shorthanded sailors, allowing them to gain both the experience and exposure necessary to launch higher profile campaigns. Unlike other events, the Portimão Global Ocean Race features two categories, solo and doublehanded, which will hopefully make the event more appealing to a broader base of skippers.

For more information, or to view the NOR, check out www.portimaoglobaloceanrace.com