MOD70 titans gear up for Atlantic showdown as Argo and Zoulou renew duel

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LANZAROTE, Dec 19 - Two of sailings most fearsome speed machines are preparing for another high-stakes duel across the Atlantic, with the MOD70 trimarans Argo and Zoulou set to renew their rivalry in the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race starting on January 11 in Lanzarote.

The American-flagged ‍Argo, skippered ​by Jason Carroll, and Frances Zoulou under Erik Maris can sustain blistering speeds ‍exceeding 35 knots (40 miles per hour) as they battle over 3,000 nautical miles to the finish in Antigua.

It will be their first Atlantic clash ​in two years.

The ​close racing is what brings us back, said Chad Corning, Argos project manager and 17-year veteran Argonaut who will crew the race. The MODs are almost always in contact; mere minutes separated Zoulou and Argo in all our races this past season.

Fresh from ‍a yard period where Argo underwent comprehensive structural scans and system overhauls, the team has made subtle efficiency tweaks including installing ​Starlink for enhanced weather data access.

New crew member Sam ⁠Goodchild, fresh from being named IMOCA Globe Series champion for the second time in three years, joins the squad. The Briton brings what Corning describes as a calm and focused demeanour similar to veteran Brian Thompson.

The preparation reveals the delicate balance between raw speed and survival. The MODs are built tough and are ​ready to be pushed hard. The humans are really the weak link in the chain, Corning explained, noting that Thompson famously issues speeding tickets to overly ‌enthusiastic helmsmen.

BIGGEST FEAR

The biggest fear? Hitting something out there, Corning ​said, with the relatively fragile foils and rudders vulnerable to debris strikes that have plagued previous races.