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With just a few days to go before the start of the Semaine Nautique Internationale de la Méditerranée, Marseille's Vieux-Port is back to its regatta rhythm. Between technical preparation, sporting challenges and crew renewal, this 60th edition highlights several realities of the liveaboard circuit.
A demanding race course for crews in the fine-tuning phase
The Snim remains a technical event where the Marseilles race course demands precise choices. Sustained wind, site effects, short seas: the conditions call for well-prepared boats and coordinated crews.
In IRC 0 and 1, boats like Albator illustrate this requirement. The crew is still working on getting to grips with a recent boat, optimized for conditions different from those encountered in the Mediterranean.
" We love sailing in Marseille, and the Snim is a prestigious regatta. The water in Marseille can be very windy at this time of year, and that's what we come for too." explains Benoît Briand, Project Manager for Albator 3, it's a new boat for the team, which we were only able to discover during the Voiles de Saint-Tropez before putting it into the yard. The boat was built in Brazil for waters with very little wind, and we had to adapt it to offshore sailing conditions in the Mediterranean, such as during the Snim night race or 24-hour races and longer. With the boat's Spanish architect, Marcelo Botin in Santander, we optimized the boat to sail with 10 instead of 12, a little lighter. Our calendar includes the Sardinia Cup this summer, a team race relaunched by the RORC. "
" Of course, we want to perform well at the Snim, but we also know that we're still learning about the boat. "adds the very pragmatic sailor We might as well do it at the top level in a regatta, on this magnificent stretch of water, against sharp opponents who will give us a chance to test ourselves!" .
The J70 one-design race reveals the real level of the crews
At the same time, the J70 fleet confirmed its appeal. With 25 boats registered, the level of participation has reached a level rarely seen in France. It is also an ideal way to prepare for international events, in particular the world championship scheduled to take place in Marseille in May 2026.
The J70 is also distinguished by the diversity of its crews. Young racers, experienced amateurs and older owners all sail on the same boat, creating a special dynamic. Younger sailors bring speed and commitment, while more experienced sailors contribute their understanding of the race course and race management.
Women's crews are also part of this progression, with profiles coming from light sailing who have to adapt to a more technical boat and more structured crew work.
Transmission and training, Snim as a key gateway
In addition to results, Snim also plays a role in crew training. On the pontoons as well as on board, a new generation is discovering the codes of liveaboard racing. Reading instructions, sequencing maneuvers, technical vocabulary - it doesn't take long to get the hang of it. For some, coming from sailing schools, the transition is natural. For others, it requires a more gradual adaptation.
Société Nautique de Marseille builds on this dynamic, with a school that welcomes around 1,600 trainees every year, almost 50% of whom are women.
Last but not least, this 60th edition also highlights the role of young crews. A special trophy will be awarded to the crew with the lowest average age in the J70 class, in order to encourage access to liveaboard racing and facilitate the renewal of sailors.
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