This is a wonderful time of year, both for the festivity and because we're just under 160 days until the 2020 Atlantic Cup departs Charleston, South Carolina in America's Offshore Race!
With an estimated 20 to 22 teams on the start line in June, the Atlantic Cup race organizers have been working hard in the run up and are pleased to announce the return of former champion Joe Harris and Gryphon Solo II and the continuation of two fantastic partnerships with Bainbridge International and the Hyatt Place Portland.
Hugh Piggin, Co-founder and Race Director said "With the Atlantic Cup fast approaching we're looking forward to showcasing the largest fleet of Class40s that the United States has ever seen. With quality international teams committed, the excitement is palpable and it's great to see former champions such as Joe Harris return to the Atlantic Cup. We're also delighted to welcome Bainbridge International back to the race. Their technical expertise and fully stocked catalog of equipment will be well used during the race and beyond. And we're thrilled to call The Hyatt Place, Portland home once again during our stopover there. It is truly a fantastic base for us and for the teams to enjoy the city of Portland"
Manuka SEM and the Atlantic Cup would also like to take this opportunity to wish you a joyous holiday season and a very happy 2020!
2014 Atlantic Cup Champion Joe Harris returns to the Atlantic Cup!
It's been 5 years since Joe Harris raced in The Atlantic Cup, winning the event in a tie-breaker with co-skipper Pat O'Connor. Following his Atlantic Cup victory, Joe solo-circumnavigated the globe in 2015/16. A huge character in the U.S. offshore sailing scene, Joe will race with British Mini and Class40 sailor Dan Dytch.
Joe said, “I am very happy to be returning to the Atlantic Cup after a few years off and look forward to some great competition and hopefully winning another title!”
Boat Name: Gryphon Solo II
Skipper: Joe Harris
Co-Skipper: Dan Dytch
Port of Registry: Newport, RI
Designer: Marc Lombard
Year Launched: 2011
Source of Energy Production: Hydrogenerator/Solar
Manuka Sports Event Management, the Organizing Authority, is pleased to provide the 2020 Atlantic Cup Notice of Race to those teams interested in competing. The document can be found via the link below and should more information be required please contact Race Director Hugh Piggin or Sam Holliday.
Since the original location opened in Boston in 1917, Bainbridge International has been the premier choice for sailcloth and sailmaking hardware in the USA and has always been at the forefront of technical developments for the sailmaking industry. AIRX, a world class spinnaker fabric is among the latest in a long line of performance driven products chosen by winners.
Over the last decade Bainbridge has also developed its U.S. distribution arm of high quality marine equipment from many innovative international companies and now offers products from Karver, Watt & Sea, Plastimo and Pontos amongst many others.
The Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port is a hotel like no other in the country. As the only Hyatt hotel in Maine, they make an impression on their guests that lasts, with unique designs and guest room layouts. Not only that, but their views of Portland are impeccable—Casco Bay and city views, where a short walk places you at the working waterfront and surrounded by world renowned restaurants and Portland’s entertainment and shopping districts.
The Atlantic Cup is the longest offshore race in the Western Atlantic with over 1,000nm of ocean racing, and also the U.S.’ only short-handed offshore race dedicated to the Class40. The Atlantic Cup was created in 2011 to showcase short-handed, offshore racing with hard fought competition and exciting shore based events, while also being the most environmentally sustainable sailing race in the United States. The Atlantic Cup has been carbon neutral since 2012 and was the first sports event in the U.S. to be ISO 20121 compliant.
The Atlantic Cup is committed to being the most environmentally responsible sailing race in the United States. Teams, participants and race management work together to create an event that is carbon neutral and ISO 20121 compliant. As the race grows, we will continue to seek innovative ideas and products that align with our mission and produce a truly sustainable event.
