While the start of the race will be given on November 7th, we already know the cast of this edition. While there were 59 boats in 2019, 82 boats are expected in 2021: 49 in Class40, 21 in IMOCA, 7 in Ocean Fifty and 5 in Ultime. The previous record was 60 in 2007! They must now qualify until mid-September, although 32 crews are already assured of participating in the race.
The largest number of participants in Class40
While there were 27 40-foot monohulls in 2019, there will be almost twice as many on this edition with 49 crews. And 4 more entries could be finalized soon. Year after year, the Class40 is growing and we will find 11 new boats, built between 2020 and 2021 at the start of the race. Ian Lipinski, winner in 2019 on Crédit Mutuel will have a hard time keeping his title.
Changes of hand for the IMOCA class
There will be 17 round-the-world boats, some of which have changed their boats. To this group of Vendée Globe sailors will be added one new boat and three others from the IMOCA circuit, for a total of 21 crews at the start. Two other duos may be added to the 60-foot fleet. Apivia and Charlie Dalin will try to defend their title.
An Ocean Fifty class with a new lease on life!
In 2019, there were only 3 Multi50s (their old name) to take the start of the race, won by Gilles Lamiré on Groupe GCA - 1001 Sourires. With a new name and newcomers on the circuit, the Ocean Fifty class is doing well. Thus, they will be 7 boats at the start, including two new boats.
The return of the Ultimates
This edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre will also see the return of the giant Ultimates trimarans, absent two years ago. There will be 5 boats lining up at the start, also a record, including two newly built boats, the Maxi Banque Populaire XI and François Gabart's trimaran, which wears the new SVR-Lazartigue colors. The last winner to date - 2017 - is none other than Thomas Coville on the former trimaran Sodebo.
Crews already qualified
Class40 Avanade / Banque du Léman / Crosscall / E. Leclerc Ville-la-Grand / Eärwen / Equipe Voile Parkinson / Engue & Vic Sailing / Everial / Experiences / Free Dom / Full Save / Hydra / Lenzi - Lanternes de Paris / Milai / Project Rescue Ocean / Red / Redman / Sec Hayai / Guildi / Vicitan / Vogue avec un Crohn / Volvo
Ocean Fifty Arkema 4 / Leyton / Primonial / Solidaires en peloton / Team Erwan Le Roux / The Arch
Imoca : Corum L'Epargne / 11th Hour Racing Team
Ultimate Banque Populaire XI / Sodebo Ultim 3
