The Les Sables to Les Azores (SAS) race departs Les Sables d'Olonne, on Friday 19th July, which is a riot of flags and colours as the boats await the off.

It's a 5000km solo trip lasting approx three weeks, wind & weather dependant! Skippers are hoping to catch the Portuguese Trade winds.

This race is a precursor for next year's trans Atlantic (TransAt) (8000km).

Cantor Fitzgerald and Dubarry have kindly sponsored Mark O'Connor in his endeavors to be the youngest Irish sailor to complete the TransAt.

Sailing always keeps one on their toes. Mark had a last minute hiccup when he found a structural crack in the boat after his last race to the Tuskar Rock. Favours were called in and following a visit from the boat's architect, the boat yard carried out a full repair in time for Mark to be on the start line. 

We wish Mark all the best.

His progress can be followed on: https://lessables-lesacores.geovoile.com/2024/viewer/

SAS 2024 update.

Sailors are now approaching Horta in Les Azores to complete the halfway mark in the race.

Our update on Mark is that he pulled into Porto to examine and assess damage to his boat. It transpires he had a delamination* of his bow due to the constant slamming on the back of high waves in the Bay of Biscay. It’s a known issue with Mini 6.5 boats some of which have a rounded bow rather than a V bow.

Unfortunately, it not good news. This is a boatyard repair, so Mark has been forced to retire from the race.

*Delamination is the separation of the layers of fiberglass and resins that make up the hull of the boat.