Notice to all interested participants
We much regret to confirm that this event is postponed due to lack of confirmed sponsorship. We had a very good level of interest from potential entries and arrangements with the ports were positive. We will welcome indications of possible new sponsorship for a re-scheduled Atlantis Challenge from Hamburg to Madeira to take place in September of a future year and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has shown interest and support for the proposed race.
Atlantis Challenge 2008 postponed (see above)
Already Platon said that the sunken City Atlantis is somewhere in the area of Madeira. But among many other legends also the region of the Germanys North Sea Island Heligoland is mentioned. In 2008, about 13.000 years after the sudden disappearance (Platon), an Atlantis Challenge will be carried out in a sportive way on this axis: An Offshore Regatta from Hamburg to Madeira. But the ambitious sailors will not take care about all these legends; they only have in mind to reach at first the finish line at Funchal to take the Atlantis Challenge Trophy home.
A new race idea is born. The aim is to combine the different European activities in the scale of about 40 feet racers and to enhance offshore sailing. Especially at least in Germany, since the DaimlerChrysler North Atlantic Challenge 2003, the interest for tuff long distance racing with "ocean feeling" has increased more and more. Regardless of participating of double hander or fully crewed yachts, the interest of both shall be taken into account. If there will come up a box rule for the forties or a very tight eligibility, will be discussed. We will comply with the wishes of the sailors and will take advice from the several national ISAF authorities en route. Everyone shall be able to accompany the fleet because besides the 40th there will be for the bigger once an IRC handicap division.
The event will be included in the FICO International Calendar of events (Forum International de la Course Océanique - www.FICO-sailing.org). Skippers/Sponsors will also qualify to receive FICO World Championship points. John Lewis President of FICO commented "I congratulate SAIL & RACE for organizing a new ambitious event in the Oceanic calendar. We certainly need more high profile international races both to challenge the competitors and excite the viewing public. I wish SAIL & RACE every success with the event".
After a great Kick-Off-Party in Hamburg the fleet will start on Sunday, 7th September 2008. A stop over will be held in an English Channel port either on French or UK side. The "Final Show Down" will be on Madeira at the end of September. Just in a reasonable time to discover the Atlantic Islands (and continuing the search for Atlantis) before the yachts may either follow via the ARC to the Caribbean or to the Mediterranean to overwinter in a gentle way.
We are looking forward to your commentary and kindly ask you to sing up your (unbinding) interest so that we may follow up further discussions. As soon as you are registered you will get any further news regarding the Atlantis Challenge 2008.
