A single-handed around-the-world yacht race, The BOC Challenge first took place in 1982-1983. It is held every four years, making the 1994-1995 race its fourth run. Known as the worlds longest race for an individual in any sport, it was founded by The BOC Group, a multinational gases and health care company headquartered in England.
About The Race
Clearly a race for sailors with talent and courage, The BOC Challenge has built a reputation for being a prestigious international sailing classic attracting some of the most well-known, highly regarded sailors form all over the world.
Typically, about 30 skippers enter The BOC Challenge which requires them to sail alone around the world making three mandatory stopovers along the way.
Qualifying
To qualify, entrants must have completed an authenticated solo transoceanic voyage of not less than 2,000 miles in the boat theyll be racing in during the BOC. Entrants may qualify through The BOC Transatlantic Challenge which starts from Falmouth, England and ends in Charleston, South Carolina three to four weeks later.
Classes
There are two classes of boats.
Class I consists of boats 50-60 feet long.
Class II consists of boats 40-50 feet long.
Start & Finish
The BOC Challenge began in Charleston, South Carolina on September 17, 1994. The 27,000 mile race will travel around the world to return approximately nine months later to Charleston.
Stopover/Restart Dates
Sat., November 26, 1994 in Cape Town, South Africa
Sun., January 29, 1995 in Sydney, Australia
Sat., April 1, 1995 in Punta Del Este, Uruguay
Stopovers will last from 4-6 weeks enabling entrants to restock inventory and make any necessary repairs.
Prizes
First Place (either class) $100,000
First Place (other class) $50,000
Second Place Class I $45,000 Class II $25,000
Third Place Class I $20,000 Class II $10,000
1982-1983 Winners: Class I Phillippe Jeantot, France
Class II Yuko Tada, Japan
1986-1987 Winners: Class I Phillippe Jeantot, France
Class II Mike Plant, USA
1990-1991 Winners: Class I Christophe Auguin, France