Guillaume Pirouelle and Jules Ducelier on SOGESTRAN – SEAFRIGO are the overall winners of the 17th edition of the CIC NORMANDY CHANNEL RACE, finishing at 4:20 PM in Ouistreham. They have added their names to the trophy, which includes many prestigious figures in offshore racing. Following the previous winners Fabien Delahaye and Pierre Leboucher in 2024 (LEGALLAIS), this victory brings the trophy back to Normandy for only the second time in 17 years. This edition marked the shortest duration since its inception, with an incredible 816 nautical miles covered in just 3 days, 2 hours, and 20 minutes at an average speed of 11 knots. The competition was fiercely contested until the end, with the Norman crew taking the lead on the leg between the Wolfrock lighthouse and the Portsall mark in Côtes-d’Armor.
The race provided an exceptional journey across the English Channel, showcasing breathtaking landscapes including the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, sunrise over the Solent, and the rocky coasts of Côtes-d’Armor, as well as Cap de la Hague in the Cotentin Peninsula and the cliffs of the Pays de Caux after Dieppe.
Pirouelle’s victory adds to his impressive list of accomplishments, including winning the Tour Voile in 2019 and the Jules Verne Trophy this winter aboard Sodebo, alongside Thomas Coville. At just 32 years old, his record opens the door to further offshore adventures.
For Ducelier, at 29 years old, this was a successful first participation in the event, following a fourth place finish in the Solitaire du Figaro in 2025 and a second place in that year’s French Solo Offshore Racing Championship. The new crew capitalised on the experience of previous years, despite the competitive level of the 2026 fleet which featured 22 experienced crews, resulting in only four retirements compared to last year’s 32 participants.
The podium was determined in the event’s final minutes, with VSF SPORTS, captained by Pep Costa and Pablo Santurde, securing second place just 34 minutes behind the winners, followed by Lucas Rosetti and Pierre Brasseur in third place on MACCAFERRI FUTURA, six minutes later. CUSTOPOL, helmed by Axel Trehin and Antoine Carpentier, finished fourth after a strong run in the final stretch.
The CIC NORMANDY CHANNEL RACE remains a demanding event, situated in a complex area where currents and commercial traffic converge. Racing in this region, the birthplace of offshore racing, shapes racing sailors and all seafarers.
To follow the race: https://normandy-race.com/suivre-la-course/
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