The Cornell Sailing team at the Cruising Association, London.
Left to right: Dr Nick Carter, Pascal Guiraudou, Nikki Carter, Klaus Hympendahl, John Ellis, Doina and Jimmy Cornell.
The European Odyssey was officially launched at the Cruising Association headquarters in London on Friday 28 February, but organiser Jimmy Cornell had a surprise up his sleeve.
As the gathered sailors sipped their drinks and listened to Jimmy explain how the European Odyssey would be a rather sedate sail south from northern Europe, with cultural and gastronomic outings planned in various European historic ports, following literally hot on its heels came news of a new and exciting event, barely a few days old.
The World Odyssey was launched on 25th February, and will be a round the world race for amateur sailors starting in 2016.
‘Why did I decide to launch this new event now?’ Jimmy explained. ‘There is an interesting parallel with the situation in 1985 when I launched the ARC, at the time the first transocean event of that nature in the world. In those days there were a lot of offshore races and it was the cruising sailors who seemed to be ignored by organised events. The situation now is exactly the opposite, with lots of rallies based on the ARC model all over the world and very few offshore races for amateur sailors, owners of production boats. The result is the World Odyssey.’
Like the Blue Planet Odyssey and Atlantic Odyssey rallies, the World Odyssey race will be supported by an experienced international team of circumnavigators led by Jimmy himself. For those sailors attending the launch party, it was a chance to quiz the team and find out more about which event to take part in – now there is truly something for everyone!
For more information:
World Odyssey Race
