A starting line divided into several zones
From 7:30 a.m. for the first Class40 Saint-Yves Services, until 10:16 a.m. for the last Ultim SVR-Lazartigue, the 79 crews will leave the pontoons of Le Havre to "circle in the water" before the big start at 1:27 p.m.
All will join the line, divided into several parts according to the categories of boats. This last Euro oriented East/West will be about 1.5 miles long. The IMOCA, Ocean Fifty and Ultim boats will be on the western segment, while the Class40s will be on the east. The western section will itself be divided into two zones. The Ocean Fifty and Ultims will have to leave a red inflatable mark on starboard, while the IMOCA boats will have to leave the same mark on port. The committee boat flying the FFVoile flag will be anchored in the eastern third of the starting line.
If you wish to follow the start from your boat, nothing prevents you from doing so. However, be careful to respect the rules of the race direction to avoid any collision and ensure the safety of the crews. The Préfecture Maritime has also defined restricted areas to ensure the smooth running of the race.
In the yachting area, sailing is strictly forbidden, so sailboats will have to sail at a maximum speed of 8 knots. Fishing and swimming are prohibited.
An area strictly reserved for boaters in Le Havre
In Le Havre, boaters embarking a maximum of 12 passengers will have to operate in zone A, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., delimited by the straight lines joining the following points
- Cap de la Hève 49°30,450 N euros 000°04,100 E
- Water limit along the coast, from Cap de la Hève to the North Dike
- North Dike 49°29,200 N euros 000°05,430 E
- Buoy LH 16 49°29,470 N euros 000°04,270 E
- Buoy LH 14 49°29,630 N euros 000°03,380 E
A racing area off the coast of Étretat
After the start, the competitors of the Jacques Vabre will turn a buoy off Étretat to ensure the show. In this zone too, navigation is regulated, from 1:30 pm to 6 pm. The competitors and the organization's boats will be in zone E, strictly forbidden to yachtsmen and delimited by the straight lines joining the following points
- WP4 49°43,300 N euros 000°11,500 E
- Front Door 49°42.870 N - 000°12.340 E
- Downstream Gate 49°42.430 N euros 000°11.620 E
- WP5 49°42,650 N euros 000°10,400 E
The rules to respect
- Never enter the activated no-go zones (11 a.m. in Le Havre, 1:30 p.m. in Étretat)
- Never move in front of the competition
- Never come within 100 m of a competitor (accelerations and changes of course are rapid and violent)
- Travel at speeds appropriate to the circumstances, always slow down in high traffic areas
- Follow the instructions given by the surveillance boats (Organization Flag)
- Be in compliance with the regulations in force: safety equipment, maximum number of people on board
- Never go out at sea alone, remain vigilant, ask your crew to watch the water beside you and wear a life jacket and the circuit breaker at all times
- Avoid any discharge (waste, black water) in the natural environment.
