SVR trimarans Lazartigue and Sodebo off to a flying start in the Jules Verne Trophy
This Friday, November 29, the crews of the maxi-trimarans SVR-Lazartigue and Sodebo Ultim 3 head for the starting line of the Jules Verne Trophy, located off the island of Ouessant (Finistère), with a start scheduled for the evening. Both teams are aiming to beat the round-the-world sailing record, set in 2017 by Francis Joyon in 40 days, 23 hours and 30 minutes.
François Gabart, skipper of SVR-Lazartigue and solo round-the-world record holder, left Concarneau at 2pm with his crew of Tom Laperche, Amélie Grassi, Antoine Gautier, Émilien Lavigne and Pascal Bidégorry.
Meanwhile, Thomas Coville, at the helm of Sodebo Ultim 3, is embarking on his tenth round-the-world voyage at the age of 56. His crew, on stand-by since November 9, includes Frédéric Denis, Léonard Legrand, Pierre Leboucher, Guillaume Pirouette, Benjamin Schwartz and Nicolas Troussel.
The two trimarans are set to cross paths with the Vendée Globe Imoca boats, which set off from Les Sables-d'Olonne on November 10 and are currently approaching the Cape of Good Hope.
Pep Costa takes the helm of the MUSA 40 with VSF Sports
Barcelona skipper Pep Costa is now at the helm of MUSA 40, Ambrogio Beccaria's Class40, thanks to the support of the VSF Group for three years (2025-2027). This partnership marks a turning point for VSF Sports, the sailing division of the French company specializing in automotive glazing.
The decision was made to purchase the MUSA 40, renowned for its performance and versatility. Launched in 2022, this boat is the fruit of a collaboration between the Italian shipyard San Giorgio Marine and the architects Guelfi and D'Angeli. Ambrogio Beccaria, the boat's former skipper, hands over the reins to Pep Costa, who pledges to honor his legacy and defend the colors of VSF Sports from the 2025 season.
Currently under construction in Hennebont, the MUSA 40 will be optimized and ready to set sail again in February 2025, sporting its new colors.
Tim Mourniac and Aloïse Retornaz, a promising duo for the Los Angeles 2028 Games
Tim Mourniac and Aloïse Retornaz join forces to aim for Olympic gold at the Los Angeles 2028 Games in the Nacra 17. Tim, an expert in hydrofoil boats and 5th at Paris 2024, returns to Olympism with reinforced determination. Aloïse, bronze medallist at Tokyo 2020 in the 470 and recently entered in the Women's America's Cup, is discovering this ultra-technical craft, seduced by its speed and innovation.
Their collaboration was born of a meeting during preparations for the Paris Games, when they shared training and accommodation. Their first competition together, despite little preparation, propelled them into the world's Top 10, revealing a natural complementarity and shared values.
Recognizing each other's strengths, Tim and Aloïse combine rigor, technical expertise and passion to meet the challenges of the Olympics: physical and mental preparation, optimizing equipment and fundraising. Their ambition is clear: to win the only place to represent France in the Nacra 17 in Los Angeles.
Jean-Luc Van Den Heede receives prestigious Pindar/IACH Lifetime Achievement Award
At the Cape Horners' annual luncheon in Portsmouth, legendary French sailor Jean-Luc Van Den Heede was honored with the inaugural IACH/Pindar Lifetime Achievement Award. At the age of 78, this Cape Horn veteran, who has crossed this mythical passage 12 times, has left his mark on sailing history with feats such as his solo round-the-world record in 122 days (2004) and his victory in the 2018/19 Golden Globe Race at the age of 73.
The ceremony was attended by 162 guests from all over the world, including such iconic figures as Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. Jean-Luc, a former math teacher turned full-time sailor, expressed his gratitude: "I'm very honoured. I wouldn't change a thing in my life."
The event also featured a documentary narrated by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston and highlighted the work of the International Association of Cape Horners, which celebrates the exploits of navigators around the famous Cape.
New distance record on the Vendée Globe 2024
After 17 days of racing in the Vendée Globe, Sébastien Simon has caused a sensation by rejoining the top 3 in the fleet and setting a new record for distance covered in 24 hours on his IMOCA Groupe Dubreuil. Single-handed, he covered 602.56 nautical miles (1115.94 km) in one day, at an impressive average speed of 25.11 knots. This record surpasses by 22.7 miles that recently set by Yoann Richomme (579.86 miles).
Corsaire's year in review
Le Corsaire, the famous sailboat designed in 1954, celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2024 with intense activity and a passionate community. The year was marked by national and international regattas, memorable cruises, and a National in Loctudy bringing together 50 crews in a festive and competitive atmosphere. Innovative and timeless, the Corsaire remains a benchmark, with modern constructions and a strong presence at the Grand Pavois. The series remains dynamic, with over 200 classified competitors, and promises to be just as lively in 2025.
Launch of the 2025 season for the Rolex Sail GP
The 2025 Rolex SailGP season kicked off in Dubai on November 24, with a record 11 national teams taking part. New Zealand won the final ahead of Great Britain and the United States. Australia, though well placed, missed out on the final, and the arrival of new teams promises a season more challenging than ever.
Pending their return to the starting line in Auckland on January 18 and 19, the French team will benefit from 5 extra days of training. With the arrival of Philippe Mourniac as head coach, the team hopes to take the next step towards more regular success.
The SailGP Women's Performance Camp, organized by DP World, marks a step forward for gender equality in sailing. 18 women sailors are benefiting from intensive training, with the aim of integrating two women in key positions in each crew by 2030.
Head for Auckland on January 18 and 19, 2025 for the second episode of this promising season.
