On the 29 October Ross – world record holders for the Atlantic crossing between Bermuda to Plymouth – and Mollymawk (renamed for this raceIdeal Stelrad) will begin their toughest challenge to date when they compete in the 3,500-mile, singlehanded Route du Rhum. The course will take them from St Malo, France, across the Atlantic to Guadeloupe in the Caribbean.

So far a total of 85 yachts have signed up for the race including 29 multihulls; five of them in Hobson’s class. Eight nationalities are so far taking part with skippers from the USA and Canada taking on the competitors from Belgium, France, Switzerland and the UK.

The major sponsors of Hobson and Ideal Stelrad are the Caradon Group, international manufacturers of boilers, radiators and other heating and lifestyle products. Commenting on the race Hobson said: “I am very excited about this new challenge? the boat is in great shape and we look forward to taking on the Atlantic and the best of Europe’s sailors when the race begins at the end of October.”

With many thousands of miles at the helm of Ideal Stelrad, Hobson is no stranger to long distance sailing. As well as being World Record holders for the Atlantic crossing between Bermuda to Plymouth, the pairing won the 50ft multihull class in the gruelling Transat Jacques Vabre Race 2003 and were winners overall in the double-handed Round Britain & Ireland Race 2002.