Rambler 100 Wins Transatlantic Race, Sets Course Record

Rambler 100, skippered by George David (Hartford, CT) crossed the finish line of the Transatlantic Race 2011 on Sunday, July 10, at 16:08 coordinated universal time (UTC).

The elapsed time for Rambler 100 was six days, 22 hours, eight minutes and two seconds. 

It has established a new record for the 2,975 nautical mile course from Newport to Lizard Point, South Cornwall, U.K., which is to be ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council. 

The Transatlantic Race 2011 charts a 2,975 nautical mile course from Newport, to Lizard Point, South Cornwall, England. 

Pre-start activities took place at the New York Yacht Club’s Harbour Court clubhouse in Newport, while awards will be presented at the Royal Yacht Squadron’s Cowes Castle clubhouse on the Isle of Wight.

Three separate starts – June 26 and 29, and July 3 – featured 26 boats ranging from 40 to 289 feet in length. 

In addition to winners in seven classes (IRC Class 1 Racer, IRC Class 2 Racer, IRC Class 3 Racer/Cruiser, IRC Class 4 Racer/Cruiser, Classic, Class 40, and Open), whichever yacht finishes the course with the fastest elapsed time will set the benchmark for a new racing record from Newport to Lizard Point, to be ratified by the World Speed Sailing Council. Rolex watches will be awarded to the record holder and the overall winner (on corrected time) under IRC.

The Transatlantic Race 2011 is also the centerpiece of the Atlantic Ocean Racing Series (AORS), which includes the Pineapple Cup – Montego Bay Race, RORC Caribbean 600, the Annapolis to Newport Race, Rolex Fastnet Race, Biscay Race and the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

Of the seven races in the AORS, three races, including the TR 2011 must be completed to qualify for a series victory. Each race is weighted equally in overall series scoring with the exception of TR 2011, which is weighted 1.5 times. 

All entered yachts are scored using their two best finishes in addition to the TR 2011. Awards for the AORS will be presented in November, 2011, at the New York Yacht Club’s Annual Awards Dinner in Manhattan.

To follow the race via tracker and get real insight into life on board via the blogs, visit www.transatlanticrace.com.

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