A new route
Launching a new ocean race? An audacious gamble for Kito de Pavant, the creator of this new race, given the crowded calendars of the various classes. However, the first edition of the Med Max was a great success, with 26 crews lining up for the start. Virtually the entire Ocean Fifty fleet has signed up, as have 17 Class 40 crews.
Linking the two continents
The Class40s and Ocean Fifties will set off together from Port Camargue at 1pm on Sunday, September 29. The Class40s will cover a course of around 1080 miles, while the faster Ocean Fifty boats will cover around 1500 miles. The aim is for both classes to arrive together at Saïdia Resorts, on the northeast coast of Morocco, from Friday October 4.
" After rounding a buoy in front of the Theater of the Sea in Sète, the fleet will head for the Bouches de Bonifacio, before the two categories take different trajectories." explains Kito de Pavant.
Highly technical navigation
For Kito de Pavant, local of the stage, the course will be full of pitfalls for both classes of competitors:
"The Mediterranean is a capricious sea, which knows how to be surprising. The crossing of the Gulf of Lion will be a long run that will take the competitors to Sardinia, where tactical moves will have to be made. The island's relief can create some very surprising site effects. The fleet will then head for the Balearic Islands, where light airs could reshuffle the cards, before a long descent to Morocco, a playground where the racers are not used to racing"
Close proximity between the public and the boats
A rare feature of a starting village, the boats are easily accessible and the public can get up close and personal. It's a pleasant sight, all the more so as it's possible to meet and chat with the sailors. An immersive video simulator is available free of charge, allowing visitors to experience first-hand the sensations aboard an Ocean Fifty. Numerous events will be organized throughout the weekend, before the departure in light airs on Sunday at 1pm.
