There’s no doubt that pro racing—à la hard-charging European events, like the Vendée Globe and Barcelona World Race—has been an uphill battle on this side of the Atlantic. (And yes, that does include the America’s Cup.) However, the Atlantic Cup
(atlanticcup.org), which features fleets of high-performance Class 40s and includes thousands of dollars in prize money, appears to be going stronger then ever as it ramps up for its fifth edition.
Scheduled to begin May 28, this year’s regatta will field at least 10 teams competing in a pair doublehanded offshore legs stretching from Charleston, South Carolina, to New York City, and from New York to Portland, Maine. Once in Maine, an overall winner will be then be decided following a two-days inshore series.
Some other numbers to consider:
0
Number of Atlantic Cups without Dragon co-skipper Mike Hennessy and Amhas co-skipper Rob Windsor (who teamed up to take second-place in the inaugural regatta)
2
Major East Coast capes the sailors must navigate: Cape Hatteras and Cape Cod
5
Number of countries represented in this year’s fleet, including France, Sweden, Spain, the United States and the UK
1045
Total offshore miles (making it the longest race in the Western Atlantic this year)
$15,000
Total cash purse
May 2016
