15 Years of Excellence: A Trophy Still Highly Coveted
Get Ready for the CIC Normandy Channel Race: A 15-Year Legacy of Excellence
On Sunday, 15 September, the highly anticipated 15th edition of the CIC Normandy Channel Race will commence from Caen / Ouistreham. This year, despite a competitive 2024 transatlantic circuit causing some damage among Class40 boats, approximately 25 competitors are set to participate, making this the largest lineup of the season for Class40.
The Most Coveted Trophy in the Class40 Season
Italian skipper Alberto Bona, the 2023 Class40 champion, shared his thoughts on the race: “The Normandy is a very tough race, combining elements of both a sprint and a marathon. With two Channel crossings, strong currents, iconic islets like Tuskar and Fastnet, and unpredictable September weather, it embodies the essence of a classic race. The reward? The most coveted trophy in the Class40 season.” Bona will have fellow competitor Alberto Riva aboard. Riva recently shattered the Class40 24-hour record by covering an impressive 433.5 miles, though he regrettably lost his boat in the recent transatlantic race.
Xavier Macaire, who recently triumphed in the Atlantic race, emphasized the high standard of racing at the CIC Normandy Channel Race: “It offers an interesting sporting challenge with tough competition.” Axel Trehin, representing PROJECT RESCUE OCEAN, expressed his excitement for competing in this yearly fixture, hoping to cap off his journey with a win.
Predicting a favorite for the event is a tricky business, given the myriad of potential victors and the race’s inherent unpredictability. Former winner Ian Lipinski will test his new Raison design alongside Antoine Carpentier, while Fabien Delahaye, who placed third and second in the last two transatlantic races, aims for his first victory in this event. Vincent Riou, a Vendée Globe winner, is also eager to showcase his new boat, and Erwan Le Draoulec, a Mini Transat former winner, is keen to make a splash in his inaugural participation.
Alongside these professionals, several amateurs will race Sharp bows, including Alexandre Le Gallais, Louis Mayaud/ Alexandre Bellangé, and Thomas Lurton.
Additionally, three crews from the GLOBE40 will join the competition, honing their skills in preparation for their epic adventure in 2025.
For more details, you can view the presentation for each crew on the official event website.
Exciting New Live Coverage for a Nationwide Audience
On 15 September, LA CHAINE L’ÉQUIPE will provide an hour of live coverage of the race start from 13:00 to 14:00 local time. As France’s leading free sports channel, LA CHAINE L’ÉQUIPE reaches around 6.6 million viewers daily, marking a significant milestone for Class40 events. This initiative is supported by the CIC and will feature advanced video production techniques from IMAGES IN FRANCE, including helicopter support and a production bus situated in Ouistreham.
In addition to live coverage, there will be daily updates from the CIC NORMANDY CHANNEL RACE minute broadcasted from 14 to 22 September on both the channel and the L’ÉQUIPE.FR website, which saw an impressive 442 million page views in July.
Moreover, FRANCE 3 NORMANDIE will provide ongoing coverage, ensuring the event isn’t missed by fans throughout the 12 days from 11 to 22 September. The start will also be live-streamed on FRANCE 3’s digital platforms.
Prepare for an exhilarating race filled with fierce competition, and don’t miss out on the exciting media coverage of the CIC Normandy Channel Race!
Source
Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.