The Race 2 to go ahead

February 2004 is the date for the next battle of the colussi

After consulting with the different challengers at a meeting prior to the Volvo Ocean Race start in Southampton, The Race Event organising team have officially launched the next running of The Race.

The start of The Race 2 will be in February 2004, just two and half years away so as not to conflict with future America's Cups (2003, etc) and Vendée Globes (2005,etc). From now on, the event will take place every four years starting in 2004.

In addition to this an international circuit for the giant multihulls will be created with a new permanent world ranking and a Global Trophy. Even to be included in this circuit will include The Race and the greatest sailing record passages, such as the Jules Verne Trophy, the Atlantic, the Pacific, the Tea Route, New York­San Francisco, etc. This circuit will be established after close consultation with the principal participants in order that the interests of each challenger's syndicate are taken into consideration.

Aside from The Race a great annual or bi-annual gathering of these giant multihulls is also planned, also forming part of the official calendar of events. The main objective of this particular event will be to showcase to the general public the best of the leading edge ocean sailboat racing technology. It will also provide sponsors with an international promotional and public relations event. The first edition of "Les Voiles du Futur" will take place in a major European harbour as early as the summer of 2003.