Global Solo Challenge feat for Frenchman Philippe Delamare
Philippe Delamare from Normandy set off on the Global Solo Challenge solo race around the world on September 29, and is about to complete his journey. Leading the competition, he is due to reach La Coruña on February 23, 2024. However, his boat, Mowgli, a 46-foot Actual, has suffered a great deal of damage, being laid up several times by the breaking waves of the deep south. Firstly, she lost her satellite antenna and part of her backstay, then her autopilot failed and she suffered further damage to her mast.
Arkea Ultim Challenge, take cover!
Charles Caudrelier on the Maxi Edmond de Rotschild is enjoying a faultless race. Still in the lead with 1,200 miles to go, the sailor had to put his race on Arkea Ultim Challenge on hold. After an initial 48-hour break in the Pacific to allow a violent storm to pass, he had to take shelter again in the Azores. The lows circulating in the North Atlantic are blocking the route to Brest, and the sailor should be able to set sail again late today, February 23, or at worst by midday Saturday. He is expected in Brest on February 26.
Head for Lorient for the first mixed ocean racing world championship in a Sun Fast 30 OD
Lorient will host the first mixed ocean racing World Championship on the one-design 30 One Design. The event, to be held from September 25 to 28, 2024, is expected to bring together around ten international duos. It will consist of two events, a 24-hour regatta and a second 48-hour race.
Farr 100 Leopard 3 wins RORC Caribbean 600
Setting sail on February 19, 2024, 64 boats took the start of the RORC Caribbean 600 in Antigua for a 600-mile race across the Caribbean islands. The Farr 100 Leopard 3 (MON), skippered by Joost Schuijff, is the overall winner of the RORC Caribbean 600 2024. With 24 boats still racing under the IRC rating rule, none of the teams still at sea can improve on Leopard 3's IRC corrected time.
Fanch Guiffant looking for sponsors for the Vendée Globe 2024
After the Route du Rhum in 2022, the Transat Jacques Vabre and the Retour à la Base in 2023, Fanch Guiffant is pulling out all the stops to be at the start of the first solo transatlantic race of the season, The Transat CIC, on April 28, on the oldest Imoca in the fleet. Launched in 2004, this Imoca, which he pampers, was designed by architect Marc Lombard and has been sailed successively by Roland Jourdain, Samantha Davies, Yoann Richomme and Boris Herrmann. To date, one transatlantic race separates Fanch Guiffant from his qualification for the 10th edition of the Vendée Globe. However, as he accumulates the necessary miles, he knows that his participation remains uncertain, given the age of his boat (a rule excludes boats built before 2005, but this boat can benefit from an exemption). Fanch still has the support of several partners, but does not have the minimum budget required 2 months before the start of The Transat CIC. He is actively seeking new partners.
Solo Guy Cotten launches Figaro Bénéteau season
Held from March 11 to 15, 2024 in Concarneau, the 47th edition of the Solo Guy Cotten marks the kick-off to the Figaro Bénéteau circuit season. Last year's revamped format now combines inshore and offshore racing, and 35 boats are expected at the foot of the walled town. The final course of the race will depend on weather conditions.
Sail GP heads for Sydney
The 10 national SailGP teams will face off on February 24 and 25, 2024 in the heart of Sydney. Winners of the Australia Sail Grand Prix 2023, the French intend to attempt the double in windy conditions that suit them well. They will also have to reckon with the Australians, at the top of the overall standings, who could claim their first victory of the season on home soil.
New features for the Vendée Va'a Edition 2024
The Vendée Va'a is an international Polynesian pirogue race in which crews of men and women compete over 3 days. Returning to Les Sables-d'Olonne from May 8 to 11, 2024, it introduces a number of new features. The format of the Saturday men's race offers a new option, with the possibility of changing rowers during the leg. The three courses remain unchanged: a marathon along the coast on Thursday of 46 km for men and 15 km for women, a long sprint on Friday with a common course of 26 km and a 56 km marathon with a changeover for men and a 15 km race for women.
BEA mer issues its final report on the Route du Rhum 2022 accident
At the finish of the Route du Rhum 2022, two members of the OC Sport Pen Duick organization tragically lost their lives when the Coralia capsized. The BEA mer issued its final report, stating that the vessel "was not authorized to sail at night" and "was crewed by a single professional sailor", contrary to the specifications, adding that the companion "was not a professional sailor and had the administrative status of a passenger". The BEA mer also cited the lack of experience of the captain, who had only 10 months' experience of daytime sailing in calm waters.
Vincent Riou launches his Class40
Skipper Vincent Riou is back to ocean racing, launching a Pogo Structures Class 40. Launched on Monday February 19, the boat is due to line up at the start of The Transat CIC in the autumn.
IRC victory for Triana on stage 3 of the OGR
After Pen Duick IV's real-time victory on Leg 3 of the Ocean Globe Race, there was a pleasant surprise in store for the French yacht Triana. Arriving in 4th place on February 17, 2024, she took first place in the IRC on Cape Horn leg 3. This leg was also marked by the fierce duel between Spirit of Helsinki and Maiden, which came second and third respectively. However, it was Maiden who took second place following a one-hour compensation for diverting to investigate a life raft suspected of being adrift.
