Around Alone race organizers Clipper Ventures and the Newport International Boat Show will jointly sponsor a prologue race from Newport to New York. The event will also kickoff the 2002 Newport International Boat Show that runs through Sept. 15.
The crewed race is part of Sail for America, one of many events commemorating Sept. 11. Historically, the Around Alone Race has started and ended in Newport, but this year, race organizers thought that it was important for the race to begin in New York so that the boats could participate in Sail for America.
This year marks the 20th sailing of the solo race, which began as the BOC. In moving the start of the race to New York, the organizers feel that they will be honoring those who perished on Sept. 11 in a very special way.
The prologue race will get the boats to New York in time for the start of the first leg, New York to Tobay (U.K.), 2,930 nm. The official Around Alone start is scheduled for mid-day on Sept. 15. The boats are due back in Newport in seven months, with an April 14, 2003, ETA for the first finisher.
