Offshore Challenges Events (OCEvents), the event management division of the Offshore Challenges Group, reached an agreement with the Royal Western Yacht Club, Plymouth regarding the future organisation of the very first solo TransAtlantic ocean race, established in 1960 and originally known as the OSTAR.
As the new Organising Authority, OCEvents has acquired all sponsorship and media rights for the 4-yearly event, commencing with the next race from May 30, 2004.
Best known for its work on the Vendee Globe sailing event, OCEvents’ strategic vision for the STAR race, which enjoys the support of famed sailor Ellen MacArthur, will include optimising exposure and building revenue streams to rival the America’s Cup and Volvo Ocean Race.
The STAR 2004 is part of the official calendars of the world’s two biggest professional ocean-going raceboat fleets. Up to 50 top raceboats are expected to be in Plymouth for the week leading up to the start on May 30, 2004.
Mark Turner, CEO of the Offshore Challenges Group and OCEvents commented: "We are very excited about this opportunity, and honoured to be taking on the role of safeguarding the rich history of what was the first ever solo ocean race.
"The demands on an organising authority of a professional yacht race nature at this level are now significant, and we are looking forward to taking on that challenge.
"Time is short for the first event in May 2004, but we are taking a long term view on this investment, and look forward to providing an excellent service to the sailors, sponsors and media – as well as presenting to Plymouth what is an outstanding event with untapped potential for generating significant local opportunities."
