Please select your home edition
Edition
Leaderboard FD July August September 2023

16th CIC Normandy Channel Race - A grandiose start

by Sirius Events 26 May 03:57 AEST 25 May - 1 June 2025
16th CIC Normandy Channel Race - A grandiose start © Jean-Marie Liot

It was a spectacular start today for the sailors who set sail on the 16th edition of the CIC Normandy Channel Race. Bracing conditions and a superb light filtering through the partially overcast skies formed the backdrop for this great Norman classic with the Race Committee releasing the Class40 crews at exactly 14:00 hours local time.

Completing the looped 'show-course' along the coast, the sailboats then headed offshore, barrelling along in heavy seas and a dazzling light, in what was a technically astute and visually striking performance.

The start line was breezy with a bracing fifteen knots or so of westerly wind, gusting up to 25 knots. These boisterous conditions prompted Race Management to reduce the show-course and get the sailors to link straight onto a return sprint around the cans located opposite the Ouistreham canal and the Luc cardinal mark. It was a welcome introduction to proceedings then as the racers prepared to really get their teeth into the race.

With daggers drawn, this stellar fleet got off to a cracking start in heavy seas and it was the Class40 Amarris (182) which set the pace straight out of the starting blocks. Benefiting from their extensive experience as Figaro sailors, Achille Nebout and Gildas Mahé positioned themselves nicely on the racetrack and were first across the starting line.

On a reach, the fleet was quickly posting dazzling speeds in excess of 15 knots, putting on quite the show for any guests out on the water. Very soon after the start, the local duo from the Baie de Seine, Guillaume Pirouelle and Cédric Chateau aboard Sogestran - Seafrigo (197), took the reins and were first around the Luc cardinal mark, which was the final mark of the coastal show-course.

On the chase behind them were the Class40 Crédit Mutuel (202) skippered by Ian Lipinski and Antoine Carpentier, and Trim Control (190) with Alexandre Le Gallais and the legendary Michel Desjoyeaux, who complete the top trio as the fleet sets a course for the Saint Marcouf islands.

Following a collision during the start procedure, the Class40 Wasabiii (198) dismasted and the Class40 VSF Sports (181) suffered damage. Both crews are safe and doing fine. They are now dockside in the outer harbour of Ouistreham. The organisation team would like to thank the SNSM lifeboat association for their responsiveness and their support.

On tonight's programme, the Class40s will have to negotiate the 40 miles between the start line off Ouistreham and the compulsory mark rounding to the west of Saint Marcouf. Conditions are set to ease over this section and then the fleet will have to hug the coast to escape the current, which they'll be punching into from late afternoon at the Barfleur headland.

The fleet will then launch onto a reach for a nocturnal passage across the English Channel synonymous with heavy shipping before they tackle the tricky section that takes them across the Solent amidst its treacherous sandbanks.

Event website: normandy-race.com/en

Related Articles

Transpac 2025 final starters depart LA
The largest boats with the longest waterlines already burning up the miles to Hawaii The 20 biggest, fastest boats racing in the 2025 Transpac began their offshore sprint from Los Angeles, California, to Honolulu, Hawaii, on Saturday. Posted today at 1:05 am
29er Europeans at Lake Garda day 3
The fleet is now ready for the finals at Fraglia Vela Riva The 29er European Championship 2025 in Riva del Garda is already making history. With 251 teams from 29 nations, this year's edition has gathered one of the largest and most competitive fleets in class history. Posted on 5 Jul
Rolex TP52 Worlds in Cascais day 4
All on the line Sunday as American Magic Quantum Racing seek to close out eighth world title After three spectacular races today on Cascais, Portugal's showcase high winds arena, Doug DeVos' seven times world title winners American Magic Quantum Racing lead into the final day of the 2025 Rolex TP52 Worlds with a hard earned five points buffer. Posted on 5 Jul
North launches new Wingfoil Race Collection
Pinch even higher and reach even deeper at pace Pinch even higher and reach even deeper at pace. Engineered with a VMG-optimised partial double skin for improved aerodynamic efficiency, lower drag and precise manoeuvres at higher speeds. Posted on 5 Jul
AEGEAN 600 Attica Warm-Up Race
5th edition sets sail with strong winds and signature Greek hospitality Under perfect sunny skies and brisk northerly winds, the 5th edition of the annual AEGEAN 600 kicked off with a flawless start both on and off the water. Posted on 4 Jul
GKSS Match Cup Sweden & Nordea Women's Trophy D5
Stage set for Finals showdown in Marstrand With just one day to go at the 2025 GKSS Match Cup Sweden and Nordea Women's Trophy, the stage is set for a thrilling finale in both the Open and Women's classes. Posted on 4 Jul
Sam Goodchild in the Course des Caps
The final phase is full of potential pitfalls Sam Goodchild, the British skipper of MACIF Santé Prévoyance who has been dominating the IMOCA round Britain and Ireland race since the start of the third day, says the goal now is to focus on the complex finishing section. Posted on 4 Jul
29er Europeans at Lake Garda day 2
Light breeze, boat park buzz and big wins off the water >Day 2 brought lighter winds to Lake Garda, but the energy around the event stayed sky-high. Posted on 4 Jul
Rolex TP52 Worlds in Cascais day 3
French tour de force gives Paprec world championship lead As the Rolex TP52 World Championship passed its midway point today in Cascais, Portugal it is the French underdogs on Paprec, led by ocean racing legend Loïck Peyron, which has taken the overall lead. Posted on 4 Jul
Rolex Fastnet Race IRC One preview
Beyond the French legends there is plenty of international talent with podium potential With 17 editions of the Rolex Fastnet Race to his name, including five class victories along the way and an outright victory in 2015, could anyone bet against Géry Trentesaux doing it again? Posted on 4 Jul
Navico AUS Zeus3S FOOTERX-Yachts X4.0Excess Catamarans