The MOD70 'trimarans Argo & Zoulou are set to renew rivalry at the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race, which starts on January 11, in Lanzarote.

Argo (American flagged) and Zoulou (France flagged), both skippered by Jason Carroll can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour as they race over 3,000 nautical mile to Antigua.

This will be the first Atlantic match in two years.

Chad Corning is Argo's project manager and a 17-year veteran "Argonaut", who will crew this race. "The MODs almost always stay in touch; only minutes separated Zoulou and Argo during all of our races last season."

The team, fresh from the yard period in which Argo was subjected to comprehensive structural scans as well as system overhauls has implemented Starlink for improved weather data access.

Sam Goodchild joins the team, having just been named IMOCA Globe Series 'champion' for the second consecutive year. Corning says the Briton has a "calm, focused demeanour", similar to veteran Brian Thompson.

The preparation shows the delicate balance of raw speed and survival. The MODs have been designed to withstand extreme pressure. Corning said that humans were the weakest link, noting Thompson's famous "speeding ticket" for overly enthusiastic pilots.

The biggest fear

What is the biggest concern? Corning's biggest fear is "hitting something out there", as the foils and rudders are vulnerable to debris that has plagued previous races.

The only way to deal with impacts is to hope, especially when they occur at night. It's just a straight race and hoping this doesn't affect either MOD.

Corning is expecting another exciting race, as both boats are capable of breaking new records. "The intensity will be dialed up and we'll likely have to get used to being uncomfortable!"

The 12th edition will begin on January 11, 2026 in Marina Lanzarote, Spain's Canary Islands. A fleet of elite offshore yachts will then head west across the Atlantic and finish in Antigua.

The race is one of the most international ocean racing contests.

The race is part of the Royal Ocean Racing Club Season Points Championships, which includes in 2026 the Rolex Middle Sea Race as well as the RORC Caribbean 600 and the Round Britain & Ireland Race. (Writing and editing by Alexander Smith in London, Ossian shine in London)

(source: Reuters)