Following the success of the 2002 inaugural event, Challenge Business has today announced that the Challenge Transat race – from Southampton to Boston and back – is to be run again next summer with a start date of 13 August.

The event, to be sailed in 72ft Challenge yachts, will comprise two races, with crews able to sign up for one or both. And with the aim of beating current Leg One Challenge Transat record holders, BG, who completed the course in 18 days, 16 hours, 46 minutes and 38 seconds, crews will be put through an intense training period during the run-up to the 13 August start.

Following the crew announcement on 5 August there will be a four-day race training session and three days of in-port race preparation (10-12 August).

Commenting on next year’s race Sir Chay Blyth said: “The Challenge Transat was a phenomenal success in 2002. And we’ve come under pressure to run the event again. “People crossing across the Channel is now common place. People’s aspirations are now aimed at crossing an ocean. One of the big challenges is the North Atlantic and it’s certainly a pinnacle for many a sailor. It’s a challenge for the adventurous and those wanting to improve their long-distance sailing skills.”

After a relaxation period and prizegiving in Boston on 6 September and further training, the return leg race will start on 8 September. The west-east crossing should take approximately 13 days with the aim to beat Vail Williams’s (2002 Leg Two record holders) time of 13 days, 21 hours, 30 minutes and 15 seconds.

A final prizegiving will take place on Saturday 7 October in Southampton.