Racing is always a very good training. It's no small feat to cross the Atlantic. People think it's very commonplace, but it's not. It is the same ocean as 2000 years ago - with much more pollution - and we are very small.
GC32
The first stage of the GC32 circuit - GC32 Villasimius Cup - was held from 22 to 26 May 2019 in Sardinia with ten one-design catamarans equipped with engaged foils. It is the largest fleet assembled since last year's GC32 World Championship.
The event was won by Team Oman Air. Alinghi and Ineos Rebels UK completed the podium. Franck Cammas and his team Norauto finished at the foot of the podium after a last day of contrasting racing.
The second round of the 2019 GC32 Racing Tour will be the GC32 World Championship, which will take place in Lagos, Portugal, from June 26 to 30.
Sailing Energy / GC32 Racing Tour
2019 Kite Challenge
The 7th edition of the Kite Challenge was held from May 24 to 26, 2019 in Gruissan, bringing together 400 riders. The three days of wind allowed several races to be launched, even on Sundays when the conditions were extreme.
The 2019 Kite Gruissan Challenge closes with a fantastic sporting record: 6 races, 140 km of racing, a Tram blowing with all its strength, 400 "rinsed" and satisfied professional and amateur riders... and a magnificent winner in the scratch: Axel Mazella, the Var Alexia Fancelli winning in the women's category (4 wins in 6 races).
The objective in 2020?? 500 people on the plan of eau?!
Launching the boat
Macif Trimaran
After four months of winter work to make the systems that failed during the Route du Rhum reliable and optimise the trimaran, Macif was launched again on Wednesday 22 May 2019. To avoid the structural breakage suffered by the Ultim' 32/23 class in particular on the autumn transatlantic, the boat's front arms have been reinforced. The appendage systems were also changed as the multihull had lost a foil during the race. "The foil up and down systems are now more reliable."
The boat's trim has also been optimised to improve performance. The vessel's centre of gravity was displaced by shifting important weight elements such as the engine. A rear end of the central hull was also cut off.
The technical team also worked on aerodynamics. This work will be completed before the start of the Atlantic Brest on 3 November and will consist, among other things, of adding an aerodynamic sheet at the front of Macif, on the central hull. This should limit drag effects and reinforce the effects of plates on the headsails.
Alexis Courcoux / Macif
Maxi Edmond de Rothschild
On Thursday 23 May 2019, the blue and white trimaran of Gitana Team set sail again at Lorient La Base. Six months of work were required to repair the starboard bow lost during the 2018 Route du Rhum. The technical team also took the opportunity to work on the optimization of the platform, but also on the structural reinforcement of the other two bows. With a view to aerodynamics and ergonomics, the cap has been cut and redesigned.
E. Stichelbaut/ PolaRYSE / Gitana S.A.
