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The start of the Cap Martinique 2026 marks the beginning of a transatlantic crossing of over 4000 miles between La Trinité sur Mer and Martinique. The fleet, made up of 45 IRC monohulls from 30 to 40 feet, will first sail in regular conditions, before rapidly entering a more sustained weather sequence.
Departure from Quiberon Bay
The start was given in a steady easterly flow, with light seas and good visibility. These conditions ensured a smooth start, with no fleet compression or constrained maneuvers.
The exit from the bay went off without a hitch, with each crew quickly finding its course and speed. This first phase is classic for this type of event, with the initial positioning determining the options to come in the Bay of Biscay.
The 24-hour postponement decided by the race directors avoided a worsening situation off Cape Finisterre, known for its swell crossings and accelerated winds.
Rapid entry into the Bay of Biscay
The fleet advances towards the mouth of the Gironde, now part of the course. This waypoint requires an initial strategic realignment before the descent to Cape Finisterre.
The forecast calls for wind gusts to 35-40 knots in the Bay of Biscay. This phase will structure the first gaps, particularly in terms of managing speed, trajectories and fatigue.
Most of the passage around Cape Finisterre should be upwind. Competitors will have to deal with rough seas and unstable winds, in the wake of a low-pressure system evacuating to the north.
A homogeneous fleet under IRC rules
The Cap Martinique is based on a compensated time classification. This system valorizes the diversity of the units, by integrating their characteristics in the calculation of the performances.
The 2026 fleet includes 14 solo skippers and 31 double-handed crews, making a total of 76 sailors. Profiles range from experienced sailors to crews taking part in their first transatlantic race.
The boats present cover a wide spectrum, from Figaro 2s and Sun Fast 3200s to JPK 10.10s and Pogo RCs. This diversity creates real speed differences at sea, which are then compensated for in the rankings.
The arrival of the JPK 10.50 in the face of proven hulls
Among the newer boats, the JPK 10.50 appears for the first time on the event. Several skippers are lining up on this model, including Alex Ozon and Jean François Hamon. The shipyard is also represented by Jean Pierre Kelbert himself.
Faced with this new generation, some of the best-known boats on the IRC circuit are still present. The Figaro 2s and the Sun Fast 3200s remain solid references, particularly in sustained conditions.
Sam Manuard, racing a Pogo RC he designed, is part of this confrontation between architects and shipyards. Downwind conditions, which are common on a transatlantic race, should favor modern hulls, without excluding older, well-behaved boats.
An elongated route structured by passage points
The 2026 route exceeds 4,000 nautical miles. After the Gironde buoy and the passage of Cape Finisterre, the fleet will head for Porto Santo, in the Madeira archipelago, to starboard.
This passage marks a turning point in the race. Competitors gradually enter the trade winds, with more stable sailing, but demanding over time.
The rest of the course stretches out towards the West Indies, with a long downwind descent. This phase requires fine-tuned management of the autopilot, headsails and boat structure.
Crews between pace management and long-term commitment
Whether single-handed or double-handed, time and fatigue management remain central. Crews have to organize watches, monitor systems and maintain a constant speed without damaging the equipment.
The testimonials collected at the start illustrate this reality. Some aim first and foremost for the finish, with attention paid to preserving the boat. Others have their sights set on ranking, while taking into account the constraints of a long crossing.
Logistical preparation, in particular refuelling, is an integral part of performance. Over a period approaching three weeks for the fastest boats, every detail counts, from energy management to on-board ergonomics.
With the start validated in good conditions, the Cap Martinique 2026 enters its oceanic phase. The hierarchy will gradually be built up, as the weather systems and route choices change, until the approach to Martinique.
