" A testing race steeped in history " . . . Paul Feeney, head of international distribution, BNY Mellon Asset Management,
“ In a different league to the AZAB ” . . . Allen Clarke (Sage) competitor, Biscay Challenge, 2009.
“Excellent and seamless organisation” . . . Andy Hill , winner Biscay Challenge, 2007, and competitor 2009.
“ Hospitality at both Southampton & Hondarribia fantastic ” . . . Will Claxton, (Paradox) competitor, Biscay Challenge, 2009.
"Fue una regata bonita. Esperamos repitir en la siguiente edicion" . . . Carlos Liancoa (Pintia), race winner, 2009
NEWS
» BNY Biscay Challenge 2011 launched
» Race Management Team member and former RSYC Rear Commodore Sailing, Dave Giddings, is 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.
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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.
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WELCOME
The clock is ticking to the start of the 2011 edition of the the Royal Southampton Yacht Club's 540 mile yacht race from the Solent to Hondarribia in northern Spain. Entries are invited. The race is due to start on June 18, 2011.
The 2011 BNY Mellon Biscay Challenge
. . . "One of the most challenging and tactical races around ”
Those who know our website from 2009 will be comforted to learn that the successful formula of that inaugural Biscay Challenge Double Handed race from Southampton to Hondarribia in the heart of the Basque Country is back again, although we have been listening to our entrants from that race to improve our competitor experience still further.
WHAT HAS CHANGED?
First and foremost, we are delighted to announce that the race has a major international title sponsor in
BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON
ASSET MANAGEMENT
BNY Mellon is one of the world’s foremost financial institutions and it is a recognition of the growing status of the Biscay Challenge that they have decided to make this the first yacht race that they have ever sponsored.
The Royal Southampton is honoured and privileged to be associated with such a prestigious organisation as Bank of New York Mellon and the race will now be branded as the 2011 BNY Mellon Biscay Challenge, organised by the Royal Southampton Yacht Club.
Roger Townsend
Race Director
Royal Southampton Yacht Club
1 Channel Way
Ocean Village
Southampton, UK
SO51 6BY
T: +44(0) 23 8022 3352
Email: racing@rsyc.org.uk
THE RACE
The race from the mid-Solent to Hondarribia provides 540 miles of racing challenges for mono or multi hull yachts, sailing with just two people on board - the classic two-handed race. Competitors face the vagaries of the English Channel and once round Ushant get to tackle the sometimes notorious waters of the Bay of Biscay.
The race takes up to five days, depending on weather and sea conditions.
We have considered the possibility of a race back, either to the UK, or a French destination, but found that the number of imponderables and obstacles made this impracticable.