The Royal Ocean Racing Club’s 12th edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race will start from Lanzarote on the 11th January 2026. Supported by Calero Marinas and the International Maxi Association, along with Yacht Club de France. The RORC fleet will set off from Marina Lanzarote to race 3000 Nm across the Atlantic Ocean, bound for Antigua.
The Royal Ocean Racing Club’s 2014 Transatlantic race was the inaugural edition of this race and attracted a number of bigger yachts- most noticeably the 100’ Finot ‘Nowad IV’ and the 90′ Southern Wind ‘Windfall’.
The race across from Lanzarote to Antigua is a technical transition for navigators from the winter blows of the Northern Atlantic to trade wind sailing, allowing the larger boats to stretch their legs under reaching and running kites.
Temperatures thankfully soar as the crews dive south to the equator, giving some welcome relief to those from the Northern hemisphere who are already, by January, getting thoroughly sick of the dark, cold mornings and dark wet evenings.
RORC races are professionally run, high-calibre events that attract the world’s best sailors and boats- if you are going to say you raced the Atlantic, this is THE way to do it.
Volvo 65 Sisi is the boat of the Austrian Ocean Race Project, a young and ambitious team of international sailors, with an Austrian core, united by their passion for big boat sailing. Their primary goal was to participate in the Ocean Race, for which they purchased the former Vestas 11th Hour Racing, a Volvo 65 that had already competed in the Volvo Ocean Race twice. They started the project in 2019. From then on, Sisi and the team participated in several regattas and races and the Ocean Race Europe in 2021. From 2023, Austrian Ocean Racing is powered by Team Genova. They have participated in the world-famous Ocean Race VO65 Sprint 2023. This is the first time a team from Austria, with a boat under an Austrian-Italian flag, has participated in this famous event.
Since then, for all those who want to take part in this adventure, there is the possibility to join races, deliveries and open trial days. Apart from a few exceptions, Sisi is only available for races to entire crews (Whole Boat Charter). Deliveries are open to everyone.
Best suited to agile, people with moderate fitness and ideally a maximum weight of 110kg. Full training is provided.
We strongly recommend to complete a 2-day Sea Safety and Survival Training Course or equivalent.
8 January 2026 (Thursday)
The first day of training, getting to know the boat and the positions & Welcome Party
9 January 2026 (Friday)
The second day of training to go through manoeuvres and the Gala dinner
10 January 2026 (Saturday)
Boat preparation for the regatta, no training planned
11 January 2026 (Sunday)
Start RORC Transatlantic Race 2026
Expected arrival after 10 +/- 1 days
The date for the Prize- giving will be announced according to the entries received
What's Included :
Safety equipment (Life jackets with AIS transmitters & Tether)
Food & Drink whilst On-Board
Marina Berth and Racing Fees
Fuel
Pre-Departure safety briefing and training
What's Not Included :
Travel Insurance
Visas, ESTA, residence permits, medical certificates, etc.
Accommodations ashore
Meals ashore at restaurants
Flights and transport to and from departure and arrival ports
Toiletries
Clothing and wet weather gear.
It’s always recommended that you book flights with date flexibility in case of unforeseen changes due to weather or schedules.
There is an absolute ban on alcohol on board.
Please note: Changes and postponements may occur. Therefore, we ask you to wait to book accommodations or flights, etc., until you receive the final confirmation from us to avoid cancellations and postponements.
Please use a sea bag or a foldable bag. Suitcases are too bulky on board and difficult to stow away.
Documents
Identity card or passport
(European) Health insurance card
Travel health insurance (if needed)
Plane ticket
Clothes
Boat shoes (closed and anti-slip – please make sure that the sole does not rub off)
Sailing boots
Sailing pants
Oilskin (waterproof jacket and trousers)
Fleece jacket or pullover (at sea, it also gets cold at night in summer)
Thermal underwear
Hat and cap
Sunglasses
Sailing gloves
Underwear
Clothes for on land
Hygiene/Health and Miscellaneous
Sunscreen (no suntan oil!)
Toiletries
Shower gel and shampoo (if possible biodegradable)
Personal medication
Household remedies against seasickness (drops, chewing gum, …)
Sleeping bag
Earplugs/sleeping mask (optional – it is quite loud under deck)
Towel
Small pillow
Laundry bag
Books for deliveries
Safety equipment
Sailing knife/ Leatherman (if you have one)
Headlamp (waterproof and red light function, spare batteries)
Book and pay
Click the Book Now button above to secure your place. Choose from Pay in Full or deposit options. Direct debit from your bank account, debit card or credit card options are available. Pay in the currency of your choice.
Personalise your payment plan
If you want to set up a payment plan, contact us here and let us know your desired deposit (minimum 10% required) and your preferred payment. You can make up to 18 payments, for the balance. You can choose the frequency and customise each payment amount.
Not ready to pay, but want to secure your place?
Reserve your place onboard today, with no obligation. We’ll send the confirmation details, itinerary, deposit invoice and be sure to answer all your questions, while you finalise your plans before confirming. Reserve here.
When you cancel
If you book and then cancel prior to an event, for any reason, terms and conditions apply. For a full refund of a sailing trip, flights and hotel costs, we recommend travel insurance. View Terms & Conditions.