On Saturday 21st June, more than 130 guests gathered in Falmouth to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Club’s Azores and Back (AZAB) Race—a spectacular event that honoured the race’s legacy and looked ahead to its future.
Among the attendees were around 80 former competitors, joined by family members and organisers, as well as entrants from the recently completed and very successful Celtic Triangle Race, a qualifying passage for AZAB ’27.
The morning started with a commemorative presentation at the National Maritime Museum, reflecting on AZAB’s rich history and evolution. Two of AZAB’s most seasoned veterans, ‘founding father’ Colin Drummond and nine-time entrant Mervyn Wheatley, gave engaging talks. Francis Shillitoe and John Head brought the early spirit of the race to life by reading letters from founders Chris Smith and Andrew Bray—each filled with humour and vivid recollections. A heartfelt video message from the Board of the Clube Naval in Ponta Delgada, our partners for the past 50 years, was also shared.
The focus then turned to the future. Race Officer Neil Andrew and Scrutineering Manager Christine Bloor outlined key considerations for the 2027 race. Ed Wildgoose of Mailasail, generous and hands-on former sponsors and continuing ‘Friends’, updated attendees on satellite systems, while Kate Cope and Rob Craigie offered candid reflections on their experiences at sea, and offered sage advice for future competitors. Rob’s suggestion that those thinking of entering should first decide whether their goal is to win, achieve their best performance, or simply complete the race struck me as a good bit of strategy for life generally.
We were fortunate to have such a fantastic line-up of speakers, who highlighted how the race has evolved over five decades to remain one of the premier short-handed offshore events in the sailing world and the only ocean race to always begin and end in the UK.
I took the opportunity to look ahead to 2027 and shared my hopes of repeating initiatives from the 2015 race—involving local schools with the boats and journey and partnering with a charity dedicated to protecting our seas. I may also have mentioned that we are currently seeking a new sponsor, or perhaps a consortium of local companies, to support this significant event for Falmouth.
The evening party at the Club showcased the enduring camaraderie that defines AZAB. Attempting to gather everyone for a group photo proved nearly impossible—many were too engrossed in reconnecting and swapping stories. A book could easily be filled with the tales shared, especially from three of the event’s legends: Peter Phillips (1975, ’79, ’83), who had just turned 90 and recounted his dramatic rescue by the world’s largest container ship; Roy Hart (’87, ’91, ’95); and Brian Dale (’83, ’87, ’91, ’95, ’99).
A special presentation was made to Colin Drummond, honouring his pivotal role in designing the race and persuading the Club to take on the challenge of running it. Prizes were awarded for the furthest distance travelled (South Africa), best piece of AZAB ephemera (a miniature burgee presented by Clube Naval in 2005), and best outfit (see photo!).
Inside the Club, a display of race memorabilia included scrapbooks, medals, programmes, invitations, and news clippings from each race—a testament to the affection in which the race is held.
Many messages came from past entrants unable to attend, including novelist Clare Francis—the only female competitor in the first race and one of only two to fly a spinnaker at the start—and Nick Keig, whose remarkable 360-mile 24-hour run in 1975 earned him a place in the Guinness Book of Records and set an AZAB passage record that stood for 12 years. Sadly, Nick couldn’t rearrange his chartering dates in Greece to attend—but he tried!
Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. Several past participants are now tempted to return in 2027. One former winner from the Netherlands, who recently sold his boat, now hopes to come back as a volunteer if he is not an entrant. Many commented on how much they enjoyed the event and how it showed the Royal Cornwall at its very best. And it proved once again that when you gather a group of AZAB racers, it’s bound to be both hugely fun and deeply inspiring.
From its inaugural race in 1975 to its role today as a proving ground for adventurous sailors—both racers and cruisers—AZAB continues to capture imaginations and push the boundaries of endurance. The 50th anniversary celebrations honoured a remarkable past and lit the torch for the voyages still to come. My thanks to all who helped to make it such a success.
Roll on 2027.
Sarah Hancock
AZAB 27 Race Director