One man, one boat. Five gruelling sprints across the world's toughest oceans, alone. Five send-offs, five emotional goodbyes. Seven skippers from three continents. 30,000 nautical miles over nine months. One race, one goal, one Ultimate Solo Challenge: the VELUX 5 OCEANS.
They come from all walks of life, but these men are no ordinary people. Some call them brave, some call them crazy, but they are unified by one dream: of racing a yacht singlehanded around the world. It is a dream they will endlessly pursue with a dogged determination and fiery passion, and one they are prepared to do anything for to see it come true. Family, friends, job, life – all put on hold. Only one thing matters now.
More than 2,700 people have reached the summit of Mount Everest. 500 have been into space. Less than 180 people have ever sailed round the world solo. The goal is to become part of that elite band by taking part in the longest singlehanded ocean race in the world, the VELUX 5 OCEANS.
To do that, the ocean racers will sail their 60ft yachts into some of the most dangerous situations known to man during five demanding legs. They will battle fearsome hurricane force winds, sail through mountainous seas as high as a six-storey building and cope with temperatures that range from searing tropical heat to sub Antarctic lows. They will have to overcome extreme mental and physical stress and fatigue. Sleep will become a luxury.
More than just sailors, these courageous men are forced to become engineers, sailmakers, meteorologists, strategists, nutritionists, and most importantly survivors. Since it began in 1982, 123 sailors have started the VELUX 5 OCEANS – only 73 finished. Two died following their dream.
By choosing to compete in the VELUX 5 OCEANS the ocean racers are buying into a rich heritage which has given rise to some of the world's best sailors. The VELUX 5 OCEANS is not only the longest singlehanded round the world yacht race but at nearly 30 years old is also the longest running.
Always at the forefront of ocean racing innovation, the 2010/11 VELUX 5 OCEANS will see the première of the Eco 60 class of yachts, pushing a message of sustainability, accessibility and affordability. Making use of the many Open 60 yachts built before 2003. 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.
The VELUX 5 OCEANS is the ultimate odyssey, the ultimate in human endeavour, The Ultimate Solo Challenge.
