SOME of the biggest names in ocean racing from Britain and Europe are returning to Cowes Week this year to compete in the Artemis Challenge.

Now in its seventh year, and one of the highlights of the world’s largest sailing regatta, the Artemis Challenge sees some of the world’s fastest yachts sailed by the biggest names in the sport and joined by high profile guests taking on a 50-mile charity sprint around the Isle of Wight on August 8th.

In 2012, the MOD 70 trimaran Foncia, helmed by yachting heroes Michel Desjoyeaux and Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, set a new world record, which still stands today.

The powerful multihull showed its impressive speed in taking just two hours, 21 minutes and 25 seconds to circumnavigate the Island. For 2013, the MOD 70s return with French Volvo Ocean Race sailors Seb Josse on Edmond de Rothschild and Sidney Gavignet on Musandam-Oman Air both challenging for the record and eyeing the history books.

A strong fleet of IMOCA 60s also return to the Artemis Challenge following their herculean endeavours in the Vendée Globe as they make their final preparations ahead of the infamous Fastnet Race.

Representing Britain will be Cowes yachtsman Brian Thompson on Artemis Ocean Racing and Gosport’s Alex Thomson on Hugo Boss, who claimed a celebrated podium finish in the iconic solo race around the world.

The French bid for glory will be led by Vincent Riou on PRB, who won the event in 2011, joined this year by Marc Guillemot on Safran and Bertrand de Broc on Votre Nom Autour du Monde.

The fleet is completed by hardened Swiss skipper Bernard Stamm on Cheminées Poujoulat, who returns for a second attempt at winning the £10,000 charity prize fund.

Mark Tyndell, CEO of Artemis Investment Management, said: “The Artemis Challenge at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week continues to attract some of the biggest names in offshore racing and creates a fantastic spectacle of big boat racing in British waters, as well as supporting a number of great causes.

“And this year they will surely all be aiming to beat the incredible world record from last year for going around the Isle of Wight – let’s hope we get some fantastic conditions so we can really see what these boats are capable of doing.”

The Artemis Challenge is a showcase of some of the best offshore racing within easy reach of spectators.

The race, an invitational event for IMOCA 60s and MOD70s, follows the classic America’s Cup route around the Isle of Wight, starting at 10am on the Royal Yacht Squadron Line.

It has long attracted a strong list of celebrity guests.

Teams competing in the race in the past have included sports stars Zara Phillips, Amy Williams, Will Greenwood, Mike Tindall and James Haskell, as well as other stars from the world of entertainment such as Ewan McGregor, Davina McCall and Bryan Adams.

The Artemis Challenge will be held at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week on August 8.