28 teams to compete at 2016 Tour de France à la Voile

by A.S.O./Tour de France à la voile on 24 May 2016 In 2016, the Tour de France à la Voile keeps growing around the Diam 24, the event official boat until 2019. With 28 teams, the summer show will also be a key moment for the sport. Staying close to the spectators, the Tour de France à la Voile offers a lot of novelties for a better and easier understanding and access to the regattas.

Diam40 OD boats offered a breath-taking show in the first races of the season. The Tour de France à la Voile’s future competitors showed their potential at the Spi Ouest France, Grand Prix Atlantique, Grand Prix Guyader and Grand Prix de l’Ecole Navale. Talented crew were revealed, such as Team France Jeune, Lorina Limonade Golfe du Morbihan and Grandeur Nature Véranda, who won in every one of these races. The playing field is competitive and there will be no room for error on the water.

The sailors will have to be at their best technically, find the good speed and not let the pressure get to them during the 20 racing days if they want to take the line honours in Nice.
Which of the 28 teams will follow Spindrift’s footsteps, winner of the last year’s edition in Diam 24?

All competitors were gathered in Paris this Tuesday to discover the coming innovations – both on the water and on shore.

What’s new for the sport?

Racing rules have been modified to make the Tour de France à la Voile always more readable and spectacular. During the inshore races (called ‘Nautical Stadium’), all starts will take place under black flag and a ‘Super Finale’ will decide the winners of the day.
With a black flag on every inshore start, no mistakes are allowed. All boats showing up on the start line too early will be disqualified. The Super Finale will then see the winners of the qualifiers face each other daily, and the first one to cross the line will be the day’s winner.

A new reward: the Finagaz Price for Combativeness
Because worthy teams are not always on the podium, this Finagaz Price for Combativeness will be awarded to the sailors who’ve achieved something remarkable. It will be presented once per act and will reward sailing values. Michel Desjoyeaux will be its ambassador.