The AC75 unveiled
Two teams presented their AC 75s for the next America's Cup this week. In Barcelona, Alinghi presented its AC75 to the Catalan public, while Team New Zealand tacked for the first time in Auckland.
The French challenge boat has arrived in Barcelona by truck and should be launched in the next few days.
FFVoile and the City of Hyères commit to 2026
On April 9, the Fédération Française de Voile and the town of Hyères signed an agreement to confirm their commitment to organizing the 2025 and 2026 editions of the SOF. This renewal is the culmination of over 50 years of collaboration between the town of Hyères and the Fédération Française de Voile, supported for more than 10 years by the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis. This internationally recognized success makes the Semaine Olympique Française one of the most important annual Olympic sailing events, alongside the Trofeo Princesa Sofia.
Pen Duick 6 finishes on top of the OGR
The Ocean Globe Race 2024 was marked by Pen Duick VI's victory in Cowes, crossing the finish line at the head of Leg 4 on April 11, 2024 at 22:52 UTC. This leg victory could also secure her first place in the event in real time, pending the arrival of the following competitors.
Start of the Niji 40, the transatlantic race between Belle Ile and Marie Galante
The Niji40, a new transatlantic race between Belle-Île-en-Mer and Marie-Galante reserved for Class40 boats, got underway at 1pm on Sunday April 7. On board, 39 sailors divided into thirteen three-member crews. This first edition boasts a line-up of prestigious competitors, including Xavier Macaire, runner-up in the Solitaire du Figaro in 2021, Corentin Horeau, current French ocean racing champion, and Thomas Rouxel, Thomas Coville's replacement skipper on the Ultim Sodebo, among others.
Final phase of selections for the Upwind by Mer Concept project
After an initial pre-selection based on applications, 16 candidates were selected, 12 of whom will take part in the second phase in Concarneau during the week of April 15-19. At the end of this stage, the 6 winners will be chosen. Meanwhile, the Ocean Fifty was relaunched on April 2, marking the start of the sailing season. Candidates will have to pass physical and technical tests, as well as individual interviews and crewed sailings to qualify.
A new Ocean Fifty for Basile Bourgnon and Emmanuel Le Roch
After sponsoring Class40 and Le Figaro, Edenred extends its support to the world of sailing by announcing its commitment to the Ocean Fifty class from 2025 onwards . In collaboration with Neo Sailing Technologies, a new trimaran bearing the Edenred colors will be launched, with the duo Basile Bourgnon and Emmanuel Le Roch at the helm.
Designed by Romaric Neyhousser, the launch is scheduled for spring 2025.
Departure from Cap Martinique on April 14
The second edition of the Cap-Martinique will start on April 14, 2024 and will take place in a single leg, following a direct route: the start will be from La Trinité-sur-Mer on April 14, 2024, then the participants will sail around the island of Porto Santo, located in the Madeira archipelago in Portugal, leaving this island on their starboard side, before reaching the finish in Fort-de-France.
Construction of the Maison des skippers has begun at Lorient La Base
In order to strengthen the international reputation of the ocean racing center at Lorient La Base and maintain its high level of services, Lorient Agglomération plans to install a Maison des Skippers on the site. The ceremony to lay the foundation stone for this emblematic facility marks the start of construction, scheduled for completion in September 2025.
