The Race
AZAB is a 2,400 Mile Ocean Regatta
Starting in Falmouth the race goes to the port of Ponta Delgada, on the Azores Island of São Miguel. Leg two returns to Falmouth.
“Most yachts participating in the race take between 7 and 10 days to reach the Azores, allowing a week or so to relax and prepare for the return passage.”
Falmouth has long been a venue for national and international championship events and hosting them has been an important part of the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club activities since the 1950s. The AZAB has been organised by RCYC every fourth year since the first race in 1975.
Falmouth and The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club
Falmouth’s natural harbour is the third largest deep-water harbour in the world, the traditional gateway to the Atlantic and one of the world’s great sailing locations. The historic town has a wealth of marinas and marine services, and a vast range of restaurants, bars and tourist attractions. Competitors are likely to find all they need for their trip.
The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, has a strong tradition of race organisation, hosting world class regattas from the highly competitive 2012 Finn World Cup to the prestigious and stunning Richard Mille trophies in 2023 and 2024. In 1969 Sir Robin Knox-Johnson completed his record breaking round the world voyage at the Club.
The historic Clubhouse located on the Falmouth waterfront within easy reach of all facilities, is a great base to prepare and relax. Each participating boat will be allocated a Club member to help them with anything they need.
The Azores and Ponta Delgado
The race destination, Ponta Delgada, is the capital of São Miguel, one of nine Azores Archipelago Islands in the Eastern Atlantic, approximately 750 nautical miles off the coast of Portugal and some 1220 miles from Falmouth.
The stopover in the Azores not only serves as a preparation point for the return leg but also offers crews an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments from the first leg, engage with fellow racers, and explore São Miguel. Various events are organised by the RCYC and Clube Naval de Ponta Delgada, including the legendary Pontoon Party.
After a brief break, crew replenishment, and a series of celebratory events, participants will set sail later in June for the return journey to Falmouth.
Follow The Race
The dramatic start line in Falmouth is framed by two historic coastal fortresses, offering exceptional spectator vantage points and with the fleet berthed in the heart of town, crews, spectators and sponsors enjoy close interaction and outstanding media and broadcast opportunities both ashore and afloat.
Race progress can be tracked in real time to see how each yacht is doing. We encourage schools and businesses to ‘Adopt a Yacht’ for the full race experience.
