Kevin Escoffier released by the FFVoile
The French Sailing Federation has overturned Kevin Escoffier's suspension, decided by its commission following inappropriate behavior towards several women. This decision follows that of the Comité National Olympique et Sportif, which addressed the 18-month suspension. The Committee criticized the FFVoile for failing to confront the victims and their alleged assailant.
Mast received for Orient Express Team
On March 21, Orient Express Team, the French America's Cup team, took delivery of the first part of its AC75. The mast was received in Barcelona, prior to the boat's forthcoming delivery.
Registration open for the Gruissan Wind Challenge
From May 3 to 12, 2024, the Défi Wind, the world's biggest windsurfing competition, returns to Gruissan. Open to all, it brings together 3 disciplines: windsurfing, kiteboarding and wingfoil, and once again promises great sensations for riders and beautiful images for surfing fans. Registration is now open .
Niji, exclusive partner of the Niji40
on April 7, 13 crews and 39 sailors will set sail from Belle-Île-en-Mer for Marie-Galante in the Niji40. This race, reserved for Class40s, will take place in 3-person crews. Niji, which has been involved in ocean racing on numerous occasions: Route du Rhum, Transat Bénodet Martinique, Tour de France à la Voile... will be a major and exclusive partner of the race.
The complete Global Solo Challenge podium
On March 17, at 13:44 UTC, Andrea Mura crossed the finish line of the Global Solo Challenge on Vento di Sardegna in La Coruña, 120 days and 44 minutes after leaving it on November 18 of the previous year. He completes the Global Solo Challenge podium after Cole Brauer, second and Frenchman Philippe Delamare, winner.
The French take the lead in the Ocean Globe Race
After 15 days of sailing towards England, the French Ocean Globe Race crews Esprit d'Equipe and Pen Duick VI are leading the fleet. The 13-boat fleet, which encountered very mild conditions along the Brazilian coast, is split into three groups. Esprit d'Equipe, former winner of the Whitbread Round the World Race, took provisional first place in the IRC class on the fourth leg of the Ocean Globe Race.
The Transat CIC, a top-class line-up
On April 28, 2024, 33 IMOCA and 13 Class40 skippers will set sail from Lorient for a transatlantic race to New York. This race will be a qualifier for the Vendée Globe.
New in Ocean Fifty
The General Meeting of the Ocean Fifty Class was held on March 15, 2024. The class is now complete, with 10 boats in the hands of experienced skippers and 4 newcomers, including 1 woman. While the class is careful to maintain its numerus clausus of 10 boats, two wild cards could be awarded to major players in the Route du Rhum 2022 to build a new boat. One of them has been awarded. Thibaut Vauchel Camus succeeds Erwan Le Roux, who chaired the class for 7 years. The race program will alternate between offshore racing and regattas, between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. The Ocean Fifty Series consists of an annual championship, comprising a West-East Transat in the North Atlantic, three grand prix and a Mediterranean crossing.
A new confrontation in New Zealand for Sail GP
On March 23 and 24, the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Christchurch will be the 9th of 13 events in Sail GP season 4. The French, led by Quentin Delapierre, are now in 5th place among the 10 international teams, and will be looking to continue their progress. On the Swiss side, Sébastien Schneiter hands over the helm of the F50 to Nathan Outteridge for the remainder of the season, to concentrate on his Olympic preparations. Tom Slingsby's Australians, three-time winners of the SailGP championship, won at home in Sydney last month for the first time this Season 4, and lead the overall standings with 66 points.
