On Sunday at 1:00 PM local time (11:00 AM UTC), the Class40 fleet of the 2nd edition of the CIC MED CHANNEL RACE set off for a 1000-mile race in the western Mediterranean. The race course includes a journey between Marseille, Corsica, Sardinia, and the Balearic Islands. The race commenced under sunny skies and around fifteen knots of wind, with the Class40s navigating south of the bay near Les Goudes before rounding the Château d’If and heading towards the next starting gate near the island of Porquerolles. Leading the departure from Marseille is number 142 PHARE 40, skippered by Mathieu Claveau and François Verdier, soon followed by scows number 179 GLACES ROMANE and number 168 RDT LOGISTICS – OCEAN CONNECT.
Adaptations to the course have been announced by race director Miranda Merron, allowing for modifications based on weather conditions. The current sailing plans instruct the skippers to proceed directly from the Var coast and Île du Levant to the Strait of Bonifacio, bypassing the Calvi Bay mark this year to avoid the calms affecting the northwest quarter of Corsica. The Balearic passage will also require rounding Menorca instead of Majorca.
The expected weather conditions suggest predominantly upwind sailing until reaching the southern part of Sardinia, followed by favourable downwind legs for the latter part of the race. The first forecasts predict an arrival back in Marseille next Friday evening.
The Class40 fleet is noted for its mix of amateur and professional sailors, particularly thriving in the Mediterranean with diverse weather and sailing conditions. As the only major offshore racing class offering events along the French Mediterranean coast, the Class40 has become increasingly popular, combining performance with accessibility for varied crews. At this early stage, the top positions are close, with potential competitive shifts given the ongoing dynamics of the race.
After a strong start, the 179 GLACES ROMANE is strategically positioned in the lead, closely trailed by traditional classic boats STELLA NOVA No. 134 and PHARE 40 No. 142 as they navigate upwind along the Var coast towards the island of Porquerolles, approximately 25 nautical miles to starboard.
For crew presentations, visit: https://www.med-race.com/les-equipages/
To follow the race on the map (updates every 15 minutes), please check the Race Tracker
Website: www.med-race.com
Facebook page: CIC MCR
Instagram page: cic_med_channel_race
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