The Barcelona World Race is not just any sailing competition. It is one of the most challenging events on the planet.

This incredible race is a non-stop, round-the-world sailing competition for crews of two people. The skippers sail on IMOCA 60 monohull boats. These are the same type of boats used in the famous Vendée Globe race.

The History of This Epic Sailing Race

The first edition of the Barcelona World Race 2014 journey actually started back in 2007. Nine boats took on the challenge that year. The winners were Jean-Pierre Dick and Damian Foxall. They completed the race in 92 days.

The second race happened in 2010. It was won again by Jean-Pierre Dick. This time his co-skipper was Loïck Peyron. This event was becoming a major test for sailors.

Interesting Fact About The Race

The race follows the famous Clipper route. It takes sailors past three great capes. These are the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, Cape Leeuwin in Australia, and Cape Horn in Chile.

Many skippers see this race as the perfect preparation for the Vendée Globe. The Vendée is the ultimate solo race around the world.

Curiosity About The Boats

The boats used are 60-foot monohulls. They are designed to be incredibly fast. These boats can reach speeds of over 30 knots in the right conditions.

The race also has a very strict rule. The skippers cannot receive any outside help. They must fix everything themselves. This makes the challenge even harder.

Why Barcelona Is the Perfect Host City

Barcelona is a city that lives by the sea. It was a stunning host for the start of the Barcelona World Race 2014.

The race starts and finishes in the same port. This makes the city a central part of the event’s history. The Catalan capital knows how to put on a show.

The departure date is also very special. The race always starts on December 31st. Imagine starting a journey around the world on New Year’s Eve!

Arriving For The Start

The yachts were docked at Portal de la Pau. This is right under the watchful eye of the Christopher Columbus statue. It was a fantastic sight.

The race organization created a special “Barcelona World Race Zone” for fans. There were exhibitions and live talks. It was a great way to learn more about ocean sailing.

The Start Day Experience

The weather on race day was beautiful. It was a day that felt like summer. There was bright sunshine and light winds.

The light winds were tricky for the sailors. They only had about 2 to 6 knots of wind. It made the start very slow and tactical.

However, it was perfect for spectators. Hundreds of small boats filled the water. The beaches were packed with people. Everyone wanted to see the start of the Barcelona World Race 2014.

A Sad Farewell

The most emotional moment came as the skippers left the dock. The sailors said goodbye to their families. They would not see them for almost three months.

I saw Alex Thomson wave goodbye to his four-year-old son. It was a heartbreaking moment. You could see the emotion on his face.

The biggest cheer of the day was for Anna Corbella. She was the only female skipper. She is from Barcelona and was a local hero.

The Amazing Competitors of 2014

Eight brave duos took the start line for the Barcelona World Race 2014. These were the best sailors in the world.

Each team had a powerful story. They were all ready to face the dangers of the ocean.

The Favorites: Hugo Boss

The big favorite was the team on the boat “Hugo Boss”. This boat was skippered by Alex Thomson and Pepe Ribes.

Thomson was a star of the race. He had finished third in the Vendée Globe. His boat was also a proven winner.

At the start, Hugo Boss shot off the line first. They were incredibly fast. They wanted to win the Barcelona World Race 2014.

The Strong Challengers

Their biggest rivals were Bernard Stamm and Jean Le Cam. They sailed “Cheminées Poujoulat”. This team had a huge amount of experience. They had won many races before.

Another strong team was “Neutrogena”. This boat was skippered by Guillermo Altadill and Jose Munoz. They had the local support of the Spanish fans.

The Local Heroes

There was also a home team from Barcelona. Anna Corbella and Gerard Marin sailed “GAES Centros Auditivos”. The crowd loved them.

Anna Corbella was the first Spanish woman to sail around the world. She had finished the 2010-2011 edition. She was inspiring to watch.

The Underdogs

I loved the story of “Spirit of Hungary”. They were the biggest underdogs. They had very little funding. They just wanted to finish the race.

Their skipper was Nandor Fa. He was 58 years old during the Barcelona World Race 2014. He was one of the oldest competitors but had a heart of gold.

More About The Competitors

Each sailor had to carry enough food for three months. They ate freeze-dried meals mostly. They had to ration water using a special desalinator.

The boats are also equipped with hydro generators. These make electricity from the movement of the water. This keeps the navigation systems running.

Curiosity About The Race

The race covers over 23,000 nautical miles. That is more than 42,000 kilometers.

The skippers sleep for only 20 to 45 minutes at a time. They never get a full night’s sleep. This is one of the biggest challenges of the Barcelona World Race 2014.

Why The Start Was Special

Sadly, the story of the Barcelona World Race 2014 had a dramatic twist. The favorite, Hugo Boss, had to retire early. They lost their mast in the Southern Ocean.

It was a huge shock. It showed how dangerous and unpredictable the race is. Alex Thomson had been leading at the time.

The eventual winners were Bernard Stamm and Jean Le Cam. They finished the race in 84 days. It was a fantastic display of skill and courage.

Every place leaves a quiet signature.