Heading for the 2026 Season in Class40
by Class 40 25 Feb 06:28 PST
Class 40 fleet © Class40
Thomas Lurton, a new course set
For Thomas Lurton, the 2026 season is clearly focused on the Route du Rhum. "The whole program is built around this deadline," explains the skipper, who is determined to gradually build up his strength over the course of the major races on the Class40 calendar.
After two seasons aboard Class40 No. 100, the change of boat was an obvious choice. Accustomed to pointed boats, he decided to switch to a scow, Class40 No. 166 (formerly Crosscall). "I felt that my competitive side could no longer be fully expressed. This change reflects a real desire to take a step forward."
In a class where "the level is extremely high today," Thomas Lurton highlights the growing professionalism of the Class40, both technically and sport-wise. Aware of the opportunity that this new boat represents, he now has a clear ambition: "Today, I have no excuse: the challenge is to stay in the main group and perform over the long term."
Axel Tréhin, building for performance
A long-time participant in Class40, Axel Tréhin is approaching 2026 with a project that is as ambitious as it is rare: building his own boat, a Lift V3, with his sights set on the Route du Rhum. Above all, this is a collective challenge. "This boat isn't just mine, there are a lot of people working on it, including Marc Lombard and Gepeto," he emphasizes.
Construction is progressing according to schedule, with a key phase currently under way: painting. "We deliberately took our time on the deck to make sure everything was ready before painting," explains the skipper. Assembly can then be speeded up: "We have almost all the parts, now it's a big puzzle to put together. "
While the boat will be ready for racing, there is also an economic challenge. "My first goal is to be able to line up at the start of the races," says Axel Tréhin, before fully embracing what comes next: performing well in the rankings and exploiting the full potential of his Class40. In an increasingly competitive fleet, he is enthusiastic: "The higher the level, the more challenging it is, and the more emotionally intense the performance."
Matéo Le Calvic, learning and looking further ahead
At 25, Matéo Le Calvic is taking a new step forward by joining Class40, after four years in Class Mini. "What I like about ocean racing is being able to go far, playing with the weather, not staying stuck between rocks," he explains. This mindset naturally led him to move to a larger boat, while retaining his main partner, the AFPF.
The skipper quickly found his ideal boat, Class40 No. 185, signed in the Caribbean to optimize winter training. "Things moved very quickly; within four days, the boat was signed," he says. Accompanied by his co-skipper Pierre Boulin, he approaches this new adventure with humility.
For him, Class40 is "the big leagues," a homogeneous and competitive class where "every detail counts in terms of performance." His 2026 program, which is dense and formative, should above all allow him to gain maturity at sea: "The goal is to take control of the boat and make it perform as well as possible."
Alexis Loison, a new high-level challenge
Recent winner of La Solitaire du Figaro and the Rolex Fastnet Race, Alexis Loison joins Class40 with the ambition of competing against the other big names in the class. Accustomed to the highest level, he is looking for a new playground in Class40, in a dense fleet where competition is fierce. "I chose Class40 for several reasons. In addition to being a dynamic class, the level is very high and it provides access to prestigious races such as the Route du Rhum and the Transat Café L'Or, as well as highly competitive events in a variety of formats, such as the Normandy Channel Race."
Although he is entering this class with great humility, Alexis Loison can draw on solid experience in ocean racing. "Even though I feel like a complete rookie in this class, I still have three transatlantic races under my belt, two Normandy Channel Races and a round trip to the Azores. I know a little bit what to expect."
Class40 boats are known for being very physical, where the slightest mistake can cost you dearly. Anticipation, precision, and endurance are essential to exploit their full potential. "You have to be very good at anticipating maneuvers, especially sail changes. The scow hulls pound a lot at certain speeds, but they are also extremely fast boats. I'm expecting some incredible sensations aboard this little monster."
Alexis Loison has set his sights high for this first season. His main goal is clear: to finish on the podium in the Route du Rhum. Achieving this will require meticulous preparation. "The idea is to arrive with a boat that is technically ready, calibrated, and reliable. Preparation will be key."
Beyond the sporting challenge, Alexis Loison fully identifies with the spirit of Class40. "Even though the boats are very different in terms of design, I feel that it is above all the sailors who make the difference, and that is something I am very attached to."