The Défi Azimut 2023 was eagerly awaited. Comprising two events - the 48 h Défi Azimut, a duo race in the Atlantic starting and finishing in Lorient, and the Runs - a sprint to be the fastest over 500 m - it brought together a top-flight field. Favorites Charal, Macif Prévoyance and Paprec Arkea confirmed their status, although some older boats showed they still had potential, such as For The Planet, sailed by Sam Goodchild and Thomas Ruyant, 3rd, and Teamwork, the ex-Charal sailed by Justine Mettraux and Julien Villion, 6th. Violette Dorange, a newcomer to the IMOCA circuit, marked this challenge with a 13th place on DeVenir, Jean Le Cam's former boat. This puts her in the lead among daggerboard boats.
Charal, skippered by Jérémie Beyou and Franck Cammas, won the 48 Hours, but ultimately lost its place in the final, despite setting the fastest speed of the day at 30.2 knots. After several groups of runs, only 12 IMOCAs took part in the final runs, won by Yoann Richomme's Paprec Arkea, accompanied by Yann Eliès. Macif Santé Prévoyance finished second, as in the 48 Hours. Charal rounded off the podium.
