In 2018, it will be 50 years since Bernard Moitessier and his Joshua will have completed their world tour. An adventure recounted in detail in the book "The Long Road". A book and a story that has marked generations of sailors . Indeed, Bernard Moitessier, "to save his soul" had decided not to return to Europe after rounding Cape Horn, but instead set off on a second circumnavigation of the world.
A freedom-loving journey
It is precisely this notion of freedom that the organizers of La Longue Route 2018 want to reproduce. This "event" (it's not a race!) is open to everyone without any constraints. No obligation and no prize. No winner, just the reward for the sailor to have fulfilled a dream.
As in 1968, the only framework will be a departure date between 18 and 30 September 2018. The port of departure is free provided it is north of 45° in Europe and north of 41° for the east coast of the United States. All yachts are eligible if they are less than 52 feet.
22 competitors (including 2 women) have already declared that they want to take the start. The boats are of all types with a sister-ship to Joshua, a catamaran or even steel safes. Some have even announced a departure from New York at the foot of the Statue of Liberty, quite a symbol!
The Bono associated with the project
The commune of Le Bono (56), where Bernard Moitessier is buried, is associated with this adventure and is organising the opening of La Longue Route on 16 and 17 June 2018. Competitors will then be able to take the start according to their preparation, but also according to the performance of their boat, which will dictate the periods during which they will be in the South, where the seas are hostile.
Counterpart of the Golden Globe Race
This Long Route 2018 is a counterpart of the race which is organised at the same time : the Golden Globe Race . This one wants to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Golden Globe, in which Moitessier participated. Even if this race is run on "identical" yachts to those of 1968, this Golden Globe Race is a real race with a fixed line and start date, equipment constraints and a winner.
Sailors who want to relive the adventures of their elders have the choice of doing so with or without a frame. For us, the year 2018 will be rich in stories with all these adventurers who will be sailing around the world..
