Two VO65s among a 50-strong line-up for Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy

The Mirpuri Foundation Racing Team and The Austrian Ocean Race Project are among 50 teams scheduled to race in the inaugural Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy at the end of the month.

‘Racing for the Planet’, the Mirpuri Foundation team will be led by skipper Yoann Richomme who is backed by a star-studded lineup including previous winners of The Ocean Race, Charles Caudrelier and Jack Bouttell.

They will face off against a second VO65 entry led by The Austrian Ocean Race Project, who are preparing to make their first appearance in The Ocean Race in the next edition.

"There are many reasons why the Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy is shaping up to be a fantastic event, but the spectacle of two of the fastest boats in the world racing along the Portuguese coastline will be incredible," said Richomme. "I’m looking forward to our first race on board ‘Racing for the Planet’ and it will be a very valuable racing experience to go up against another VO65. I think the competition will be fierce."

The event is among the first sailing regattas to take place as Europe begins to open up with new safety measures due to the COVID19 pandemic. 

Over 50 entries in three classes will race in the two day event, with a €30,000 prize pool at stake.

Strict measures have been put in place by a dedicated medical team to ensure the health of participants and organisers. 

"We have been thrilled by the response all around the world to the inaugural Sailing Trophy and we look forward to welcoming over 50 boats to Clube Naval de Cascais next week. It will be an impressive sight after such a long break from sailing," said Dr. Paulo Mirpuri, Founder of the Mirpuri Foundation.

"The measures we have put in place will allow us to enjoy some fantastic sailing, meet old friends, revive friendly rivalries and witness some of the best racing anywhere in the world. I wish everyone the best of luck and look forward to going racing."