RACE ROUTE

The final race format (route, dates, stopovers, etc) is currently being finalised and will be announced over the coming weeks and months. The level of interest from host ports across the world has been extremely strong. Following consultation with skippers and partners, we do know that the route will take the basic format:

- The race will start and finish in Europe in Q4 2010 (France or Spain)

- There will be stopovers in South Africa, Australasia, South America and USA (East Coast)

In the current planning phase, we are in frequent discussions with skippers and sponsors to create a race which meets their objectives cost-effectively.

CLASSES AND ENTRIES

The VELUX 5 OCEANS is open to all IMOCA skippers and anyone with the skill and ambition to take up the Ultimate Solo Challenge with a safe and well funded Open 60 campaign. Our aim is a fleet of 12 boats and we are seeking international diversity. Kiny, our Race Manager, is in close contact with skippers and sponsors around the world to offer assistance with negotiations and communicate our vision for the next event.

The Race Management envisages a two-tiered fleet:

1. Open 60 Class: 6 to 8 entries to compete at the highest level (IMOCA certificates will be accepted and will be governed by the VELUX 5 OCEANS Open 60 rules)

2. Eco 60 Class: 6 to 8 entries to break into the professional world of shorthanded sailing and achieve their lifelong ambition

The two classes will race independently of each other for points to claim podium positions and respective prize money.

OPEN 60 CLASS:

- This is for any skipper in any open 60 no matter the age who wants to compete in the open class with no restrictions

- The aim of this class is for those looking to race at the professional level

- Open to all open 60 boats that satisfy our safety and building requirements

- IMOCA Certificates will be accepted

ECO 60 CLASS: A New Proposition for Open 60 Racing

Definition: Broadening the reach of shorthanded offshore racing through Economy and Ecology

1. The Eco 60 is a new concept for a shorthanded sailing class to be premiered in the VELUX 5 OCEANS 2010-11

2. The Eco 60 Class will encompass Open 60 yachts built before 2004

3. The Eco 60 Class will be governed by a number of rules and regulations, designed to limit costs and encourage positive environmental practices

4. The Eco 60 Class is intended to provide a low cost platform for aspiring sailors with limited budgets to break into the world of shorthanded professional sailing

5. The Eco 60 Class will create a competitive sporting arena for a diverse group of skippers, ranging in nationalities, racing experience and motivations

Eco 60 Class Rules and Regulations
The VELUX 5 OCEANS Race Management will issue the complete set of Eco 60 Class rules and regulations by September 2008. We invite any feedback and suggestions on how to structure and develop the class concept in order to best deliver an attractive proposition for skippers.
 
Eco 60 Rule Discussion
- For open 60's built before the year 2004.

- Aim for this class is to use the large number of proven Open 60's available on the market, to give an opportunity for skippers to experience firsthand the professional shorthanded racing circuit at achievable costs. Although cost savings are embraced there will be no compromise on safety gear.

- Although the boats are of the older generation this class will be still be innovators and test pilots to help many long distance sailors in the area of voyage sustainability. They will be required to come up with sustainable methods to assist in power generation while racing. This will require careful analysis of what is available and the opportunity to be aligned with ground breaking innovation.

- Fossil fuel will be allowed without penalty up to an agreed amount and then a point penalty will be awarded by race committee for any use over a certain limit.

- Further cost restrictions will apply such as limited support team numbers.

- During the race teams will be limited to two professional shore crew including a shore manager or liaison person while the skipper is at sea.

- Limited total number of sails for the race: One mainsail, 5 headsails and two spinnakers

- Repaired sail is under 50% area repaired anything more equals a replacement.

- Replacement of sails equal a number of points penalty.

- Limited to race weather package no other weather source permitted.

- Any major structural overhaul or changes will have to be agreed to by the race committee prior to the boat being accepted in the class. The aim is not for people buy older boats and do a total rebuild.