/ 
When a skipper prepares for the Vendée Globe, the Transat Café L'Or, or the Route du Rhum, the boat alone is no longer enough. Performance now depends on a comprehensive ecosystem that brings together port infrastructure, sports support, engineering, weather forecasting, and technical expertise. It is precisely this ecosystem that the French Sailing Federation has just recognized by awarding its certification to the Lorient La Base Training Center.
Recognition that goes beyond the quality of infrastructure
The certification awarded by the French Sailing Federation does not simply recognize a training facility. It honors the comprehensive organizational framework developed in Lorient to support offshore racing teams. For nearly three decades, Lorient Agglomération has gradually transformed the former Keroman submarine base into a center entirely dedicated to elite water sports. This transformation is based on a series of investments designed to provide a long-term home for professional teams.
For sailors, the concentration of expertise is now one of the site?s main assets. Naval architects, engineering firms, composite materials specialists, fitness trainers, weather route planners, riggers, and specialized companies all operate within a small area, which facilitates technical exchanges and accelerates project development.
A body of water suited to the demands of ocean racing
The decision to choose Lorient is not based solely on its onshore facilities.
Sheltered by the island of Groix, the body of water provides access to the sea regardless of tidal conditions. This constant availability allows teams to schedule their tests according to their technical requirements rather than tidal schedules. This flexibility is a major advantage for IMOCA, Ocean Fifty, Class40, and Figaro campaigns, where test days involve large teams and significant logistical resources.
Around the port, a kilometer of specialized docks, 4,000 m² of technical facilities, and nearly 6,000 m² of buildings dedicated to offshore racing teams have gradually been developed.
Support that goes far beyond training on the water
The FFVoile certification also recognizes the Training Center?s operations. Each year, approximately 30 training courses are offered to skippers and their crews. These courses cover everything from sports project management to physical and mental preparation, meteorology, and technical aspects related to the boats.
Nearly 100 days of training are also organized on the water. Weather monitoring is another important aspect of this support. Sailors receive pre-race briefings, ongoing support during competitions, and post-race debriefings to analyze the tactical decisions made during the race.
This comprehensive approach meets the needs of young sailors who are putting together their first program as well as those of teams competing in major ocean races.
A major economic hub for the marine industry
Over the years, Lorient La Base has become much more than just a home port for skippers. According to data presented by Lorient Agglomération, the industry now accounts for approximately 1,000 jobs in the region. The economic impact is estimated at 35 M%C2euros per year, a figure that rises to 44 M%C2euros when boat construction is included.
The site is now home to 21 permanent teams and more than 120 skippers and crews across the major offshore racing classes.
This concentration of companies fosters the development of new businesses specializing in composites, electronic equipment, navigation software, and technical services for professional teams.
