Santo Domingo will enter the books of international regattas when the start gun is fired this Saturday, 25 January to signal the start of the Route du Cigare Regatta. The transatlantic event departs from the Ozama River marina in Santo Domingo. Well known British navigator Miranda Merron will captain the Mangu yacht, which will skim over the 180 kilometers (99.5 nautical miles) of southeastern coastline of the Dominican Republic, for a first trek of a total 7,000 kilometers. After passing Santo Domingo, Juan Dolio and La Romana, the competitors will next head for the Mona Channel, cross the Atlantic Ocean and make their way to the La Rochelle finish line in France. The regatta should last 10 to 12 days, depending on the weather.
The Transatlantic Cigar Regatta is open to 50-foot, and 60-foot IMOCA class boats, and IRC keelboats with an overall length 15 meters or greater.
