A new global around-the-world yacht race was announced in Lisbon on September 16.
The race will allow teams of up to six people, with four on board, and the possibility of a rotating crew at each stopover.
Competitors already signed up for the race include Sarah Outen, who has just completed a rowing voyage from Australia to Mauritius, and Sally Kettle, who has rowed across the Atlantic twice.
Ricardo Diniz, co-founder of the Portugal Ocean Race, said: “The Portugal Ocean Race is an affordable way for sailors to realise their dream. We are limiting our entries to Class 40s only to take advantage of the exponential growth of this dynamic class. In addition to the solo and double-handed divisions we are introducing a new fully-crewed division.”
Fado singer Mafalda Arnauth will serve as the Godmother of the event.
“She will be the link between the sailing community and the rest of the country. Mafalda will join the Navy, represented by Captain Barbosa, as well as Portugal Tourism, represented by Miguel Morais, to form a solid foundation for the race that is firmly rooted in Portugal yet with a reach that will take it around the globe,” said Ricardo Diniz.
