Start of Leg 3 of the Ocean Globe Race
This Sunday, January 14, 2024 will see the start of Leg 3 of the Ocean Globe Race. The start will be given at 2pm, after the competitors have left the port of Jellicoe, Auckland. The crews will reach Uruguay after a 4980-mile journey from New Zealand. Event leader Translated 9, winner of the second leg, was given a 172-hour penalty for sending several sails for unauthorized repairs. Vittorio Malingri, the boat's skipper, has announced his resignation.
Camille Lecointre and Charline Picon carry the Olympic flame
The French Sailing Federation has selected Camille Lecointre and Charline Picon, both double Olympic medallists, to lead the 100% sailing relay teams from Gruissan and Les Sables-d'Olonne.
Le chantier Structures enters IRC competition
The Structures shipyard, known for its Pogo sailboats, is already present in the world of ocean racing with its Mini 6.50s and Class40s. The Finistère-based company has just announced the launch of the Pogo RC a Manuard and Nivelt design designed for IRC racing.
Rounding Cape Horn for the first competitor in the Global Solo Challenge
Philippe Delamare rounded Cape Horn on January 9, 2024, with winds between 35 and 40 knots, and the arrival of a stormy cold front capable of generating gusts well in excess of 50 knots. At the same time, Roaring Forty, the last competitor, rounded the Cape of Good Hope.
The Minis return safely to Lorient
92 Mini 6.50 and Class40 yachts, which took part in the Mini Transat and Transat Jacques Vabre 2023 respectively, were transported to Lorient on a 118-m cargo ship. After a 15-day crossing from the West Indies, the yachts were unloaded at Lorient's commercial port.
F50 to visit the United Arab Emirates
On January 13 and 14, the F50s will compete in Abu Dhabi for the first time in their history. This will be the first confrontation of 2024 and the 7th Sail Grand Prix for the 10 international teams. The British team will be without helmsman Ben Ainslie, who has decided to leave the crew. He will be replaced by Giles Scott, double Olympic champion and four-time Finn world champion.
Ultim single-handed round-the-world race off to a flying start
On Sunday, January 7, 2024, six Ultims set off on a major first - a non-stop, single-handed round-the-world race. The start was given in fine conditions, with 10 to 15 knots of wind. After less than a week of racing, the sailors are sailing off Mauritania. Leading the fleet are SVR-Lazartigue and Tom Laperche, and Charles Caudrelier's Maxi Edmond de Rothschild. A few miles behind, Armel le Cléac'h's Maxi Banque Populaire and Sodebo Ultim 3 are also neck and neck. Finally, Anthony Marchand's Actual Ultim 3 and Eric Péron's Adagio close the gap.
