To observers of offshore racing the 2001 Rolex IMS Worlds presented some confusing images.An impressive fleet of over 60 IMS boats gathered in Valencia for the event, and a lot of money and effort had gone into the preparations of the more serious teams.

The money available in Spain for IMS racing is impressive, if skewed as a sampling; the wonderful Copa Del Rey in Palma, in August, has commercial attractions for many Spanish companies, especially the royal aspect of the event. Sponsorship deals of around US$1 million 
for IMS programmes are now being raised by the more entrepreneurial Spanish skippers focused primarily on a good showing in Palma.......

For the remainder of this article please consult a copy of the September edition of Seahorse.