The Europa Race was established with a goal of not only becoming a sustainable sporting challenge but as a truly international platform to promote communication, cooperation and trade between the countries which form the race route. Now, the second edition of this innovative and exciting race is due to start in Istanbul on May 5th 2012.

Imagine a sailing venue nestling in the very heart of an ancient, cosmopolitan city. That is Byzantium, or more precisely Istanbul, which is the starting point of a remarkable adventure, an invitation to travel and experience a stimulating, invigorating route which spans Europe.

Already ten IMOCA Open 60 skippers and their teams have answered the call of The Europa Race, to take part in a race which will be their last big event as a fleet before the start of the solo non stop around the world Vendee Globe race. In between the long days and nights of solo practice The Europa Race is a great test of speed and opportunity to fine tune their craft fully crerwed before the legendary solo challenge.

A race of three stages which visits four countries.

… That is 3700 miles of racing spread across nearly four hard weeks. It sounds tough but it is an acid test of boats, teams and skippers, one which along the way promises a range of varied coastal landscapes and islands, navigational and strategic choices. There are the capricious thermal winds which blow between the islands. From the start in Istanbul there is the sail down the Bosphorous, the Marmara Seas, and the passage through the Dardanelles. Then there are the warm, azure waters of the Aegean, in to the Mediterranean Sea from east to west in to the Catalonian capital of Barcelona. Out from Barcelona the test is the Straits of Gibraltar with fierce tides and often decisive choices at the gateway to the Atlantic. From there it is a course into the Channel for a stop in Portsmouth at the end of the second leg. Then a reciprocal track back out of the Channel, around Brittany to finish in the sailing and nautical sports centre of La Rochelle, well known hosts of many major sailing events, arriving around June 6th.

To learn more about, visit www.europarace.com