By the Caribbean Journal staff

Grenada has signed an agreement with the Royal Ocean Racing Club and Camper & NIcholsons Marinas Limited to host the finish of the world-famous RORC Transatlantic Race for the next four years.

Competitors will depart from Calero Marinas Marina Lanzarote in the Canary Islands to sail 2,995 nautical miles before arriving at Camper & Nicholsons Port Luis Marina in Grenada.

“Grenada is delighted to welcome one of the world’s most prestigious yacht races to our shores, a move that confirms the stature of our yachting infrastructure and tourism attractions,” said Pure Grenada CEO Patricia Maher. “Racing teams, yacht owners and their supporters will all enjoy a very warm welcome in Grenada over the coming years and can find plenty of ways to celebrate, from rum tasting and fine dining, to our cultural experiences, verdant rainforest and beautiful white sandy beaches.”

A total of 22 entries, with cruise from around the world, will be racing in a range of boats from 33 feet to 100 feet.

“Grenada and her waters offer an unspoiled cruising destination in the southern Caribbean and Port Louis Marina is the ideal base from which to explore the region,” said General Manager of Camper & Nicholsons Marinas Port Louis Marina Grenada, Glynn Thomas. “RORC attracts a great deal of publicity and creates a wonderful buzz of activity within the marina and for the whole island to enjoy. This is a fantastic event to be a part of and this Agreement reasserts Port Louis Marina and Grenada as a premiere global yachting destination.”

This year’s start date is confirmed for Nov. 25.

“We are delighted that Grenada want to host the finish of our Transatlantic Race for the next four years. This year will be the fourth time we have finished in Grenada and the competitors receive a warm and friendly reception on arrival. Grenada is an ideal destination with fabulous facilities at the Camper and Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, and close by is the beautiful cruising ground of the Grenadine islands which is perfect for our sailors to explore at the end of the race.”