With less than 100 days to the start on June 18, the BNY Mellon Biscay Challenge, organised by the Royal Southampton YC, has already attracted an international list of over 30 boats and skippers who have registered their interest.

The Biscay Challenge is a non-stop 540 mile sprint from the Solent, across the Bay of Biscay to Hondarribia in the heart of the Basque Country.

"It is open to double handed crews racing mono and multi hull yachts from 25' to 50' and is designed to appeal as much to the Corinthian sailor as to the more experienced offshore racer," said Roger Townsend, hon race director.

"What is on offer to all entrants is a well organised race which will be both competitive and challenging, whilst at each end there will be great hospitality providing opportunities to meet fellow sailors from around the world and hopefully make lasting friends. No matter how competitors do in the race, we want to make this an event to remember.''

Plans are rapidly taking shape and sponsor BNY Mellon, one of the world's largest financial institutions, has announced it will host a reception for crews and their supporters immediately after the Crew Briefing on June 17 and will provide wines or beers at the pre-departure supper after that.

Interest in the race has spread to South Africa. Stellenbosch winemaker and veteran of the 1994 Round Alone race, JJ Provoyeur, a member of Royal Southampton's sister club the Royal Cape, has registered his intention to do the Biscay Challenge. There is also interest from France and Spain, and the San Francisco Yacht Club.

For more details and to register interest, visit the race website at www.biscaychallenge.com

issued 20/03/11

With just six months to the start of the Royal Southampton Yacht Club's BNY Mellon BISCAY CHALLENGE double-handed yacht race from the Solent to northern Spain, interest is growing in the 540-mile chase through the Bay of Biscay.
Already 20 potential skippers have expressed an interest in the race, and Hon Race Director, Roger Townsend is confident of converting those to confirmed entries and today throws down the challenge to attract still more would be competitors.
"It is one of the most challenging and tactical races around," said Mr Townsend. "I cannot promise what the weather will be – last time there was very little wind – but what I can assure competitors is of a well organised race with great hospitality at both ends. Competitors need not have had previous racing experience, but we do need to be assured that both boats and crews are properly prepared and equipped to cross the Bay of Biscay.
Entries are open to mono and multi-hull yachts from 25 to 50ft to take the challenge from the Solent to the enchanting sailing town of Hondarribia in the heart of Basque country which stands on the south bank of the river Bidasoa, a natural frontier between France and Spain.
The race is organised by the Royal Southampton Yacht Club and backed by the leading investment house BNY Mellon, part of the Bank of New York, is the evolution of a long standing biennial double handed non-stop yacht race from the UK to northern Spain. The Royal Southampton pioneered two-handed racing in the UK 30 years ago, and is now recognised as the leading organiser of double handed races.
Its racing experience is second to none and has some of the best qualified race officers in southern England in its race management organisation. The Club runs a year-round racing and cruising programme, organises the prime two-handed series of eight races the UK and a separate double-handed regatta as well the full spectrum of Club racing.
It is working with Club Nautico Hondarribia - Hondarribiako Itsaskari Baita, the energetic sailing club of Hondarribia to handle organisation at the Spanish destination.
"We hope skippers will think seriously about joining us on the Biscay Challenge," said Mr Townsend. "The race will take about four days and the round trip need only take two weeks - or Hondarribia could become the launch pad for a cruise along the Basque coast."

Issued 29/12/10

Race Management Team member and former RSYC Rear Commodore Sailing, Dave Giddings, was a Principal Race Officer of the world famous Cowes Week Regatta, starting on July 31. Dave is the PRO for the first triumvirate of Clubs, consisting of the Royal Southampton, Royal London & Royal Thames, who together provide over 50 race officers to run the first three days of Cowes Week. Dave is responsible for the smooth running of the racing for the 37 different classes each day.

When not working on the Biscay Challenge, Dave is also the 2010 CRO for Solo Offshore Racing Club (formerly Petit Bateau), many of whose members race in our Double Handed Series.

Issued 01/08/10

BNY Mellon Asset Management announces sponsorship of 2011 Biscay Challenge

LONDON, June 18, 2010 - BNY Mellon Asset Management is to be the main sponsor of the 2011 Biscay Challenge yacht race.  Hosted by the Royal Southampton Yacht Club, the BNY Mellon Biscay Challenge is a sailing race from the Solent, just off the south coast of the UK, to Hondarribia on the northern coast of Spain.

The Biscay Challenge is a tough two-handed race for both mono and multi hull yachts.  Sailing some 540 miles of tactical and navigational challenges for up to five days, competitors will face the difficulties of the English Channel and once round the north west coast of France at Ushant, they tackle the sometimes notorious waters of the Bay of Biscay. The 2011 race will begin on 18 June 2011 at 1400 hours from mid-Solent, and will take up to four or five days, dependant on winds and weather patterns, to end in Hondarribia.

Paul Feeney, head of international distribution at BNY Mellon Asset Management, comments: “The Biscay Challenge is a testing race steeped in history. We are pleased to be associated with the Royal Southampton Yacht Club and such a prestigious competition. As sponsors of this legendary challenge, we are looking forward to working with the RSYC in supporting the teams as they prepare for what will be a gruelling but ultimately rewarding race.”

Roger Townsend, Hon Race Director, Biscay Challenge, added: “We are delighted that BNY Mellon Asset Management has agreed to be our race sponsor.  With the backing of such a high profile international brand we believe that we will be able to give this race the attention that it deserves from a wider global audience.”

Notes to Editors:

BNY Mellon Asset Management is the umbrella organisation for BNY Mellon’s affiliated investment management firms and global distribution companies. Information about BNY Mellon Asset Management is available at www.bnymellonam.com.

BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation. BNY Mellon is a global financial services company focused on helping clients manage and service their financial assets, operating in 34 countries and serving more than 100 markets. BNY Mellon is a leading provider of financial services for institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals, providing superior asset management and wealth management, asset servicing, issuer services, clearing services and treasury services through a worldwide client-focused team. It has $22.4 trillion in assets under custody and administration, $1.1 trillion in assets under management, services $11.8 trillion in outstanding debt and processes global payments averaging $1.5 trillion per day. Additional information is available at www.bnymellon.com.

Royal Southampton Yacht Club is the pioneer of two handed yacht racing (yacht racing with just two people aboard) in the UK and is recognised as the organiser of the country’s premier two-handed racing series. Its racing pedigree extends to being one of the few sailing clubs in the country to run a year-round racing programme, and historically holds the honour of organising the opening day’s racing at the world famous Cowes Week regatta, with the coveted Queen’s Cup, presented to the Club back in 1897 by Queen Victoria on her diamond jubilee, for the express purpose of becoming the top trophy to open the Cowes regatta.

Issued: 18/06/10

Trackers

Following competitor suggestions from 2009 we intend to equip all entrant yachts with Trackers in order to provide real time coverage of the progress of boats in the race.
Issued: 18/06/10