As the longest single-handed event in the world, it was regarded as one of sailing's ultimate challenges.
New safety rules were introduced for this race, including compulsory watertight bulkheads and a simple stability check.
In this race Isabelle Autissier was rescued by fellow competitor Giovanni Soldini when her boat PRB capsized approximately 1,900 nautical miles (3,500 km) west of Cape Horn.
He emailed a doctor who provided instructions for his treatment[16][17][18] The course was again changed for this edition, this time spanning five legs: Newport, Rhode Island/New York — Brixham, Devon — Cape Town — Tauranga — Salvador, Brazil — Newport.
The main Around Alone event started from New York, and finished back in Newport.
The Open classes are unrestricted in certain aspects but a box rule governs parameters such as overall length, draught, appendages and stability, as well as numerous other safety features.
[21] The race took place in stages, with the skippers having the chance to rest and refit at each stop-over point.
The 2010 edition of the race started in La Rochelle (France), on October 17, 2010, and finished in the same port.