AZORES AND BACK RACE 2027
AZAB (The Azores and Back Race) is a Category 1 ocean yacht race consisting of two legs, each spanning 1,170 nautical miles, even if the rhumb line can be sailed.
This race was established in 1975 by Colin Drummond of the RCYC to fulfil the need for a UK-based ocean race that both starts and finishes in the UK. It has been held every four years since then, catering to a wide range of participants, from seasoned racers on high-performance vessels to local cruisers seeking a new challenge.
The upcoming AZAB race is scheduled to commence from Falmouth on 5th June 2027, heading to Ponta Delgada on São Miguel Island, one of the nine islands in the Azores Archipelago located in the Eastern Atlantic.
| The only ocean race to start and finish in the UK |
| 50 years since the first race was held in 1975; repeated every four years since |
| Affordable – entry fees (£950 + VAT single-handed, £1,250 + VAT double-handed) include race tracker hire, social events (parties, tour of São Miguel island, prizegiving dinners) |
| Single and double handed |
| Racing yachts, cruisers, multi-hulls (hull length between 8.23m and 18.5m) welcome |
| Corinthian spirit – supportive, friendly, inclusive |
| 50 to 70 boats from all over the world |
RACE DATES
Ponta Delgada
FALMOUTH
Falmouth’s natural harbour is the third largest deep-water harbour in the world, the traditional gateway to the Atlantic and one of the world’s great sailing locations. The historic town has a wealth of marinas and marine services, and a vast range of restaurants, bars and tourist attractions. Competitors are likely to find all they need for their trip.
ROYAL CORNWALL YACHT CLUB
The Royal Cornwall Yacht Club, founded more than 150 years ago, has a strong tradition of race organisation, hosting world class regattas from the highly competitive 2012 Finn World Cup to the prestigious and stunning Richard Mille trophies in 2023 and 2024. In 1969 Sir Robin Knox-Johnson completed his record breaking round the world voyage at the Club.
The historic Clubhouse located on the Falmouth waterfront within easy reach of all facilities, is a great base to prepare and relax. Each participating boat will be allocated a Club member to help them with anything they need.
São Miguel, Azores
São Miguel is the largest of the nine Azorean islands, covering 290 sq miles of stunning scenery, and with a population of 140,000.
The Azores’s biggest city and focused on the sea, Ponta Delgada boasts a history over five centuries and is a vibrant, photogenic mediaeval town full of narrow streets and beautiful buildings, with the harbour boardwalk running the entire front of the city, full of restaurants and shops. There is good availability of boatyards skilled in repair, sail making, electronics and engineering, as well as a handy chandlery.
Clube Naval de Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores
Our partner, the Clube Naval de Ponta Delgada, located in the Portas do Mar complex, is the oldest sports institute in the Azores.
The Club provides a very warm welcome to participants, aiming to meet each boat on arrival. Their traditional tour of the island for competitors takes in the stunning lakes of emerald and sapphire colours, the volcanic crater and calders, and a lunch cooked in the bubbling sulphurous volcano. It makes an excellent place to relax with a drink and for the first leg prizegiving dinner.
Follow the Race
The use of trackers (hire charge included in the entry fee) makes it easy for those interested to follow the race as it happens.
Sponsorship opportunities
There are a variety of sponsorship opportunities for companies wishing to support the race.
Please email the Race Director
