New format for The Atlantic Cup

The biennial Atlantic Cup, which is the longest offshore race in the Western Atlantic for the Class40, is ready to return in 2022 after its cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The three-leg format has been revised for the 7th edition, beginning with the first leg that starts May 22 in Charleston, SC and will now finish in Newport, RI, increasing the course by 80nm to 705 nm. “We are looking forward to bringing the Atlantic Cup back to its original race destination of Newport,” noted Race Director Hugh Piggin.

The second leg on May 29 will extend 240nm from Newport to Portland, ME, and for the first time be open to PHRF double-handed boats between 30 and 45 feet.

“Given the increase in popularity in shorthanded sailing, we see it as a great opportunity to continue to support this discipline of offshore racing by offering the uniqueness of the second leg to skippers in the PHRF fleet looking for a new challenge,” said Piggin.

The third and final stage of the race, which has previously been a crewed inshore series, will feature two coastal day races on June 4-5 in Portland. This change will allow teams to retain their pairing from the offshore legs rather than organize a larger team.

Details: https://www.atlanticcup.org/