Roll on the next AZAB!
Published 16:18 on 1 Dec 2025
Article by Sarah Hancock - AZAB 27 Race Director
'Roll on the next AZAB!' So said one of the 2023 competitors — and it seems Contessa 32 owners wholeheartedly agree. Interest in the 2027 race is already strong: nine of you have declared an Expression of Interest, with the Rogers generously offering to present a dedicated Contessa Trophy if numbers justify it. The Organising Committee sincerely hopes every one of you makes it to the start line. After all, thirteen of the fourteen AZABs included a Contessa - quite a record!
For those unfamiliar with AZAB the Azores and Back Race, it is an iconic event: the only ocean race to start and finish in the UK, and one designed to welcome both first-time ocean passage-makers and seasoned offshore racers.
Founded in 1975 by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, AZAB set out to make the dream of true ocean racing accessible to ordinary sailors. At that time, the major UK ocean race was the OSTAR (Observer Single-Handed Transatlantic Race), a formidable undertaking requiring huge amounts of time and money. (In 1976, the first OSTAR finisher took 23 days to reach America and the last took 49 — and then had to sail all the way home.)
AZAB offered a compelling alternative: a challenging 1,200-mile rhumb-line course with interesting navigational options, crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Falmouth to Ponta Delgada, in the stunning archipelago of the Azores.
Support begins well before the start, with a dedicated competitors WhatsApp group. Later, each boat is paired with an RCYC Buddy whose role includes anything from shopping trips for charts or baked beans, a welcome to the area which might include an invitation to a family meal or local brewery, and the opportunity to join Friday-night club racing.
Registration and scrutineering processes compete with social events prior to the start, which takes place between Henry VIIIs castles on each side of the harbour entrance, watched by hundreds of spectators.
After a potentially gruelling or gorgeous 1200 miles or so, and the choice of going west or east around the island to the finishing line, the Clube Naval de Ponta Delgada extends a famously warm welcome and introduction to the island during the stop-over before the return race. Both there and back in Falmouth, boats are met as they finish, sometimes with a goody bag of a drink and a pasty.
A defining and enduring hallmark of AZAB is its Corinthian spirit. Competitors — especially past AZAB entrants — share help, advice and encouragement freely, ensuring newcomers feel immediately included. Participants became friends within days, recalled a 2023 racer, while title sponsor Mailasail wrote: The AZAB represents a physical and spiritual challenge for many competitors... and the amazing camaraderie that develops during the event often leads to new life-long friendships.
Perhaps more than nine Contessas will be tempted to join the adventure. For inspiration, Govert Ramselaars excellent account in the 2019 CO32 Yearbook describes the race as experienced by Katisha, Spirit of Taranto and Saffier. And after the 2023 event, we produced Essences, a collection of competitor reports — some detailed, some succinct, some technical, some emotional. Together they offer practical insight, encouragement for future entrants, vicarious excitement for those who prefer to stay ashore, and vivid memories for all AZAB racers past and present.
The Contessa 32 has earned her reputation offshore. If youve ever wondered what yours might do on a 1,200-mile adventure to the Azores and back, 2027 may be the perfect time to find out.
If you have any queries, please dont hesitate to contact us at azab@rcycsailing.org.
Sarah Hancock
AZAB 27 Race Director
07817 693755 AZABRace_Director@rcycevents.co.uk
Photo credit: Kate Cope
Last updated 16:18 on 1 December 2025