VELUX 5 Oceans Race

The VELUX 5 OCEANS Race is a round-the-world single-handed yacht race, sailed in stages. Its name comes from its main sponsor, VELUX, a Danish company. This 2006 race started in Bilbao, Spain, on October 22, 2006. Originally known as the "BOC Challenge", for the title sponsor BOC Gases, the first edition was in 1982. The race was later re-named the "Around Alone"; the current race is called the VELUX 5 OCEANS Race. [ [http://www.velux5oceans.com/ "VELUX 5 Oceans"] , the official web site]

This event is the longest race for individuals in any sport; although the course has changed over the years, the 2006 edition covered a route of 30,140 nautical miles (55,820 km).

Overview

The BOC Challenge race was established in 1982, with main sponsorship from BOC Gases. The race was inspired by the "Golden Globe Race", which was the first single-handed round-the-world yacht race. Although the "Golden Globe" was a non-stop race, the "BOC Challenge" concept was for a single-handed round-the-world race, to be run in stages (in contrast to the "Vendée Globe", which is non-stop). As the longest single-handed event in the world, it is regarded as one of sailing's ultimate challenges. [ [http://www.velux5oceans.com/da/19588 "Race History"] , from the official web site]

The race is run every four years. The first edition was won by Philippe Jeantot, who won all four legs of the race with an overall elapsed time of just over 159 days. In 1990, the race was renamed the "Around Alone"; for 2006, it is known as the VELUX 5 OCEANS Race.

VELUX 5 OCEANS Race, 2006

The Skippers

The "BOC Challenge", 1986

Raced over four legs; Newport, Rhode Island — Cape Town — Sydney — Rio de Janeiro — Newport. Two classes of boat were entered: Class 1, from 50-60 feet (15.2-18.3 m); and Class 2, 40-50 feet (12.2-15.2 m). New safety rules were introduced for this race, including compulsory watertight bulkheads and a simple stability check.

Results: [ [http://www.velux5oceans.com/da/19942 "Roll of Honour (1986)"] , from the official web site] [ [http://www.solocircumnavigation.com/SoloAroundTheWorldRaces/BOC_And_AA_Races/BOC82_83/bocchallenge_1986_1987_results.htm "The BOC Challenge 1986-1987 Results"] , from solocircumnavigation.com]

The "Around Alone", 1998

The course was again changed for this edition, although it was still divided into four legs: Charleston, South Carolina — Cape Town — Auckland — Punta del Este — Charleston. Two classes of boat were entered: Class 1, from 50-60 feet (15.2-18.3 m); and Class 2, 40-50 feet (12.2-15.2 m).

The results: [ [http://www.velux5oceans.com/da/19942 "Roll of Honour (1998)"] , from the official web site] [ [http://www.solocircumnavigation.com/SoloAroundTheWorldRaces/BOC_And_AA_Races/AroundAlone98_99/AroundAlone1998Results.htm "Around Alone 1998-1999 Results"] , from solocircumnavigation.com] [ [http://www.torresen.com/aroundalone/results.htm "1998-99 Around Alone Results"] , from Torresen Marine]

Viktor Yazykov is noted for performing surgery alone, at sea, on his elbow to drain a dangerous infection after injuring his elbow during the race. He emailed a doctor who provided instructions for his treatment [Alone Against The Sea - The Dangers Of Solo Sailing] [ [http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/1998/11/18/eveningnews/main22961.shtml?source=search_story Virtual Surgery On The High Seas, A Russian sailor used emailed medical instructions to perform emergency surgery on his forearm - CBS News ] ] [Cruising World, Feb 2008]

The "Around Alone", 2002

The course was again changed for this edition, this time spanning five legs: Newport, Rhode Island/New York — Brixham, Devon — Cape Town — Tauranga — Salvador, Brazil — Newport. Althouth the race technically started and ended in Newport, it was preceded by a "prologue race", in which the boats with crews of up to five raced to New York, to take part in "Sail for America", a major sailing event marking the first anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The main "Around Alone" event started from New York, and finished back in Newport.

Three classes of boat were entered: Class 1, IMOCA Open 60; Class 2, IMOCA Open 50; and Class 3, IMOCA Open 40.

Results: [ [http://www.velux5oceans.com/da/19942 "Roll of Honour (2002)"] , from the official web site] [ [http://www.pindar.com/aroundalone/news/race_overall.html "Overall results"] , for 2002, from "Pindar"'s website]

Notes