AZAB
The Azores and Back Race
The AZAB (The Azores and Back Race) is a Category 1 ocean yacht race consisting of two legs, each spanning 1,170 nautical miles, even if the rhumb line can be sailed.
This race was established in 1975 by Colin Drummond of the RCYC to fulfil the need for a UK-based ocean race that both starts and finishes in the UK. It has been held every four years since then, catering to a wide range of participants, from seasoned racers on high-performance vessels to local cruisers seeking a new challenge.
AZAB
Initially, the 1975 race was exclusively for single-handed sailors. From 1979 to 2019, both single and double-handed participants were welcomed.
In 2023, a new trial category was introduced allowing a small number of yachts with a maximum of four crew members, including the skipper This is likely to be repeated in 2027.
The race featured five starts for Multihulls, Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4, irrespective of crew size. Wind direction & strength resulted in previous records being broken for the fastest passage on both legs – 4 days, 21 hours, 17 minutes, 48 seconds on the way out and 4 days, 11 hours, 33 minutes, 38 seconds for the return leg, both achieved by Will Claxton & Craig Brown in Superbigou, a Custom Imoca 60.
2027
The upcoming AZAB race is scheduled to commence from Falmouth in June 2027, heading to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, one of the nine islands in the Azores Archipelago located in the Eastern Atlantic.
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.
