The sixth edition of the DRHEAM CUP/GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE started on Saturday in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. The first group launched at 11 o’clock under ideal conditions, enjoying sunshine and a fifteen-knot east-north-east wind. The event features 106 boats racing across three courses, facing varied weather as they race towards Lorient, the new finish port.
Participants experienced “champagne sailing” as they began this tenth-anniversary race, which serves as a qualifier for the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe for classes including Ocean Fifty, Imoca, Class 40, Vintage Mono, and Multi.
The start occurred in four waves from the Baie du Becquet, with a record number of eleven Ocean Fifties leading the charge. Skipper Erwan Le Roux of Plastic Odyssey Fifty noted, “The wind will continue to strengthen throughout the day, reaching 20-25 knots, all downwind, ideal conditions to get started.” The race will see competitors navigate a challenging 1220 nautical mile course.
As for the other fleets, including Imoca, Vintage Multi, Mono, and Class 40, the competition will remain intense. The Class 40 fleet has 36 solo sailors, with many potential winners. Notably, Corentin Douguet (SNSM Faites un don!) highlighted the fast-paced nature of the initial leg and the unpredictable conditions expected later.
Veterans in the Vintage Multi class, Marc Guillemot and Halvard Mabire, will also battle it out, while Tanguy Caradec from Vintage Mono prepares for his first solo race. The IRC classes include various competitors, with goals to match race against others in their categories.
Follow the race : https://drheam-cup.com/
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