Over 50 boats started yesterday to sail to Punta del Este from Buenos Aires, the opening race of the 2015 Circuito Atlántico Sur Rolex Cup, one of the most exciting sailing events in South America. The event is co-organized by the Yacht Club Argentino, the Yacht Club Olivos, the Yacht Club Uruguayo and the Yacht Club Punta del Este, with the main sponsorship provided by Rolex.

The Buenos Aires – Punta del Este race is a traditional course of 174 nm, and this year it has 58 registered boats in the ORCi (18), ORC Club (23) and IRC (17) classes. The fleet gathers together competitors from Argentina, Brazil, Great Britain and Uruguay, with their sizes ranging from 23 to 77 feet.

The Olivos/Buenos Aires/Buceo – Punta del Este race started on Friday at 12 hrs (ART) with a perfect NW wind of 10-11 knots. The ORCi Class was the first to cross the start line; with the ORC Club class starting five minutes later, followed by the boats that compete using IRC scoring.

The forecast foresees stable conditions for the race, with a decreasing wind in the night. A strong southerly wind is expected for the first hours of the morning, probably accompanied by rain. Given these conditions the faster boats of the fleet should arrive on Saturday about midday in Punta del Este.

The Circuito Atlántico Sur Rolex Cup will continue in Punta del Este with some windward-leeward races and another traditional course that will be set in front of the beach. The closing ceremony will take place on January 23rd in the Conrad Hotel, one of the most prestigious hotels in South America.