ECO 60
In recent years, solo ocean racing campaigns have been exclusive projects costing millions of pounds.
Relying heavily on sponsorship, only the most high profile sailors could dream of securing the support to launch a campaign that would see them fulfil their dreams.
Not any more.
A revolutionary new class of yacht, one that is environmentally friendly and much more affordable to campaign, is being premièred in the 2010 VELUX 5 OCEANS – the Eco 60.
The purpose of the new Eco 60 class is to blow open the world of solo ocean racing as we know it and make it more accessible and affordable.
It encompasses Open 60 yachts launched before January 2003 and is governed by a number of rules and regulations designed to limit costs and encourage positive environmental practices.
VELUX 5 OCEANS chairman Sir Robin Knox-Johnston has been a pioneer of the Eco 60 class after sailing one to glory in the 2007 edition of the race.
He said: “ In ocean racing, to finish first you first have to finish. For my 2006/07 race campaign I chose an older boat, strong and well tested. Of seven starters, four of us finished.
“The 28-year history of this race is peppered with stories of unknown sailors of limited means who emerged to make their mark on ocean racing. Some became famous; others simply achieved their life’s dream of a solo circumnavigation.
“We want to continue that tradition. This is what lies behind our introduction of the Eco 60 class.”
Aimed at attracting skippers with limited budgets, the Eco 60 class also makes use of the many Open 60 yachts from the turn of the century which have been overtaken in performance and technological by newer, faster models.
Race rules will set limitations on the number of sails, the size of shore crews and the extent of refit work permitted in order to further reduce budgets.
But it's not just about money – the Eco 60 class will also be governed by a framework designed to improve the ecological and environmental impact on the planet.
These rules will seek to limit fossil fuel consumption and encourage wind and solar power, taking a message of sustainable living around the world.
Sir Robin added: “The Eco 60 class deliberately provides the first stepping stone, never an easy climb, for the aspiring sailor. By creating a separate class we are providing a level playing field for the older boats, where racing is likely to be tight and tough.
“The closeness of the racing is what attracts the media and this is what we expect to happen in this class.
“When you look at their weight and design you would say they could not beat the new boats, but experience has shown that they can, because they finish, and the VELUX 5 OCEANS race gives the opportunity for new to race old.
“Single handed sailing is much more in the mind than in muscles, and the history of this race shows that an older boat can often be better and more aggressively sailed than a new one.”
Download the Eco 60 class rules here
Find out more at www.eco60.org
Follow the Eco 60 class at www.facebook.com/eco60class or www.twitter.com/eco60