The race - stopping in five countries and spanning nine months - was announced yesterday by Global Ocean Sailing Ventures (GOSV).
Open to 40 and 50-ft monohull sailboats only, it will start from a major European port in September 2007 and circumnavigate the world stopping in South Africa, New Zealand, South America and the United States before finishing in Europe in May 2008.
For the first time ever single-handed sailors and double-handed sailors will be competing together in a global yacht race.
"Our principal intention with this new event is to make around-the-world yacht racing as accessible to as many people as possible," co-founder and race director Josh Hall said.
"It's practically impossible for most sailors to participate in an around-the-world race without either paying a fortune or being immensely qualified. The double-handed division of the Global Ocean Challenge puts a campaign within the reach of two keen sailors looking to live out a lifetime dream of sailing around the world."
The course will have "gates" where competitors accumulate points. The gates will ensure that the fleet remain closer together and also restrict the yachts from sailing too deep into the Southern Ocean.
