Two MOD70 trimarans sped out of Lanzarote Sunday, with their sights set on a five-and-a half-day sprint to Antigua. They led a colorful 21-boat fleet in the RORC Transatlantic Race.

The speed machines Argo, and Zoulou are purpose-built offshore racing boats. They compete in a field of eclectic yachts that includes the stunning 129ft Linnea Aurora, which combines 1930s aesthetics with cutting-edge technologies, to the 32ft Stimmy, a Finnish double-handed boat.

The international armada includes 19 different nationalities, including offshore racing royalty and multiple Olympians. It also includes America's Cup, Vendee Globe and America's Cup veterans. There is also a father and son team, and German?students who are using the approximately 3,000 nautical-mile crossing to learn.

Race Officer Chris Jackson who has crossed the Atlantic eight times said that the current weather forecasts for the RORC Transatlantic Race "look good." "The trade wind?looks well established, so we'd be hopeful for a fast race for our fleet."

Miles Sedden, navigator for Zoulou, said that there was "barely a elastic band" separating the two MOD70s. Argo's dramatic overhaul of Zoulou's leading position in the July Fastnet Race was enough to defeat them at the end.

Chad Corning, from Argo, said that the?MODs are always next to eachother and always at the same speed. "Whenever one boat slows down, the other will catch up. Then we're off to the races." It should be an exciting race. All the little details could make the difference in who wins or who finishes second.

The flying multihulls are expecting to finish in?a week. However, it is possible that the smaller yachts will still be fighting Atlantic swells a full fortnight or more after the start date of this modern classic offshore yacht race.

The Royal Ocean Racing Club, in association with the International Maxi Association, and the Yacht Club de France has organized this event. It is quickly becoming one of the most prestigious winter sports events.

This race is the cornerstone of the RORC Season Points Championship. It also serves as a springboard for the Caribbean racing calendar including the RORC Caribbean 600 in February. (Editing by Christian Radnedge).

(source: Reuters)