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Starting with the 2027 edition, the Tour Voile will introduce a new category for student crews. Participants will compete on Grand Surprise boats?a one-design class well known on the collegiate circuit?while sharing the race course with the Figaro Beneteau 3s.
The Return of Student Sailing to the Tour Voile
This new category is sponsored by Ultim Sailing, the French Sailing Federation, and Yellow Impact Sailing. The goal is to offer a training program in real-world conditions, with each crew having the opportunity to be accompanied by an experienced sailor.
Measuring 9.54 m in length, the Grand Surprise is a one-design boat designed for crewed racing. Already widely used in the EDHEC Cruise Race, the Spi Dauphine, and other collegiate competitions, it allows for multiple crew members on board and helps keep costs down through a shared fleet.
Training That Goes Beyond Navigation
Students will also have to manage the essential aspects of a sports project. Finding partners, budgeting, logistics, communication, preparing the boat, and organizing the team will all be part of the experience, just as much as the races held on the water.
This new category aims to strengthen the link between college sailing and elite racing circuits. Student crews will compete alongside competitors in Figaro Beneteau 3 boats, with the goal of facilitating entry into offshore racing while restoring the student classification to the Tour Voile.
