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Welcome to Global Ocean Race!
Welcome to the Global Ocean Race!
Join us in the adventure of Class40 yachting, as we navigate the world’s most challenging oceans.
Our Story
- Origin: The Global Ocean Race (GOR), originally known as the Portimão Global Ocean Race, is a renowned yachting race designed for Class40 yachts. It was first inaugurated in the 2008-09 season.
- Founders: Two former professional yachtsmen, Josh Hall and Brian Hancock, initiated the race, creating a unique platform for single- and double-handed yachts with smaller budgets.
- Race Route: The GOR is celebrated for being the first Class-40 race to navigate through the Southern Ocean and around Cape Horn, presenting a formidable challenge to the participants.
- 2008-09 Inaugural Race: The first edition saw six yachts (two solo and four double-handed) start from Portimão, Portugal, in October 2008. It concluded in June 2009, spanning approximately 30,000 nautical miles across five legs.
- 2011-12 Edition: The second edition, starting in Palma, Majorca, and ending in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, featured six double-handed Class40 yachts. The race included stops in Cape Town, Wellington, Punta del Este, and Charleston.
- 2015-16 Edition (Cancelled): The third edition was scheduled to start in September 2015, featuring both single- and double-handed categories. It was planned to begin in Southampton, England, with a single stop in Auckland, New Zealand, but was ultimately cancelled.
- Global Recognition: The GOR is listed alongside other prestigious races like the Vendée Globe, Barcelona World Race, and Volvo Ocean Race, highlighting its importance in the world of offshore sailing races.