Trin'40 : 1200 miles to write a new story
by Class40 31 Mar 04:37 PDT
24 April 2026
Zeiss © Qaptur / Zeiss
On 24 April, the Class40 skippers will set sail from La Trinité-sur-Mer for the very first edition of this solo race. On the agenda: 1,200 demanding, technically challenging and uncompromising miles.
Alone against the ocean, alone with their choices. After a season largely focused on double-handed racing, solo racing is back on the calendar.
A demanding and comprehensive route
As soon as the fleet leaves Quiberon Bay, the tone is set with strategic choices that are already decisive. The Raz de Sein is one of the first key passages, where currents and tides can quickly create significant gaps. The fleet then heads up the English Channel to the south of England, into a complex area combining shipping traffic, coastal effects and changeable weather, where constant vigilance is required.
Next comes a more oceanic stretch towards Cape Finisterre, where weather strategy takes precedence and speeds increase, but with the risk of rapid gaps opening up between competitors. The return to La Trinité-sur-Mer will bring this demanding course to a close, often proving gruelling towards the end of the race.
The return of a historic format
As the first solo race of the season, the Trin'40 is part of a renewed focus on solo sailing. It is an unmissable event for skippers looking to quickly measure themselves against the competition in a comprehensive, unassisted format.
The project was initiated by a group of skippers from the Orlabay group, driven by a desire to create a challenging event at the start of the season. The Class40 has included this initiative in its 2026 calendar as part of the Solo Trophy, confirming the Class's interest in formats that help to strengthen the solo sailing discipline.
A milestone for the Class40
For the first time, the Class40 is directly organising one of its races, in collaboration with the Société Nautique de La Trinité-sur-Mer. This development enables a long solo format to be offered, in line with skippers' expectations and complementing the rest of the season.
The sporting organisation has been entrusted to the Société Nautique de La Trinité-sur-Mer, a renowned organisation with plenty of experience in major offshore racing events, ensuring a solid framework for this inaugural edition.
Feedback from participants:
At the age of 27, Théa Khelif is set to reach a major milestone in her Class40 career. Having joined the circuit in 2025, the skipper of the Le Havre-based Airvance Océalian - Térélian is approaching the Trin'40 as an essential step: "The Trin'40 is a must for me, to test myself in a first solo race, and also to qualify for the Route du Rhum." This solo project is part of a long-standing ambition, made possible thanks to the support of the Water and Technology Factory team.
"I intend to make the most of this first solo season to learn as much as possible." Aware of the demands of sailing solo, she admits to feeling a little apprehensive, but remains confident thanks to her experience: "My first major experience on the Transat Café l'Or will enable me to anticipate certain situations." Her goal remains moderate but essential: "To finish the race well, having managed my resources from start to finish."
At 55, Benoît Sineau takes on the Trin'40 with the experience of a seasoned sailor and the determination to continue his progress in Class40. Having joined the circuit in 2025 and secured a solid 7th place in the last Transat Café L'Or, the skipper of Ekinox sees this event as part of a season focused on solo racing and preparation for the major event at the end of the year: "It's a solo race in a year dedicated to solo racing, to prepare for the Route du Rhum. So obviously, it's a race you have to do for training purposes above all else."
Based near La Trinité-sur-Mer, he also benefits from an ideal logistical base to approach the race with confidence. Accustomed to sailing solo, Benoît Sineau sees this challenge as much more than just a competition: "It's a unique challenge, a sort of personal quest, combining moments of contemplation when you're alone at sea with a bit of surpassing yourself." A total commitment, where every decision rests solely with the skipper: "You're in charge of every choice; when you make your own decisions, you have to take responsibility for them right to the end. I find it an extremely rewarding experience." As for his goals, the aim is clear: to do better than last season whilst continuing to improve. "We were practically seventh for most of last year, so I'm going to try to do better."
At 35, Lomano Takasi, skipper of the Class40 Réauté Chocolat, is set to embark on a new chapter in his Class40 career. The skipper, originally from Wallis and Futuna, is now based in Saint-Malo. He sees the Trin'40 as a key step in his preparation for the Route du Rhum, but also as a valuable opportunity to gain experience: "It's great full-scale solo training, really."
Still relatively new to the class, with few miles under his belt on this type of boat, he sees this race as an ideal way to make rapid progress: "We won't have any other races with a longer distance than this before the Route du Rhum." After a deliberately limited winter programme, focused mainly on checking the boat, the objective is now clear: to sail and learn.
The Trin'40 will also mark a major first for him sailing solo on a Class40. Whilst he admits to some apprehension, it remains measured: "Sailing solo isn't something that scares me, particularly thanks to my experience in Figaro, but it's something I'm going to discover on the Class40". Between new maneuvers and getting to grips with the boat, he approaches this challenge with humility and clarity: "Above all, I'll focus on not making any mistakes and performing clean maneuvers. " Lomano Takasi knows that, more than the result, his primary objective is to build a solid foundation in solo sailing and kick off his season: "Taking the time to do things properly and thinking carefully every time I have to make a decision."
Eve Bougault (Class40): "As always in Class40, the race promises to be wild, with a very high level of competition. Even though the Trin'40 is the first solo race of the season, once out at sea with the other sailors, the spirit of competition will quickly take over. The race promises to be a thrilling one to follow" she emphasises.
Beyond the sporting aspect, the event also aims to be open and accessible to the public. The boats will be on display in the port of La Trinité-sur-Mer from Monday 20 April, with the week designed as a time for skippers and visitors to meet.
"On land, we're keen to offer a simple, friendly event that stays true to the spirit of the Class40. The boats will be in the harbour from Monday, and the public is invited to come and see them throughout this school holiday week. It'll also be a chance to meet the skippers and get the Trin'40 poster signed."
Finally, the heart of the race will also come to life on land, with headquarters set up at the La Marée Douce bar-restaurant. A highlight of the week, the skippers' briefing on Wednesday 22 April at 6pm will, exceptionally, be open to the public, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of an offshore race.
Gilles Bricout (directeur de course): unveils the behind-the-scenes workings of a demanding organisation: "Well in advance, we work on FFV declarations, maritime affairs and route approvals, particularly regarding restricted areas such as Natura 2000 or the Landes firing range." These preparations continue right up until the final days, with safety inspections and the implementation of boat tracking.
Once the start signal is given, the mission becomes a round-the-clock operation: 'We have Race Headquarters operating 24/7 for tracking and safety. We monitor the boats' routes and remain in contact with the maritime authorities if necessary.' Together with his deputy, there are just two people ensuring this constant vigilance, ready to adapt the course according to conditions: "We may have to shorten or extend the race depending on the weather."
Finally, on the sporting front, the tone is set: "We're expecting around 30 Class40s, with skippers preparing for the season's major events: there'll be some big names." One thing is certain: all the ingredients are in place for this first edition of the Trin'40.
Inside Class40
As its development continues, Class40 remains committed to promoting more responsible offshore racing. True to its core values, the class champions a model based on accessibility, cost control and the durability of the boats. Class40 has published its 2025 Carbon Footprint Report, carried out with Green You Up in accordance with ADEME's methodology. The overall carbon footprint stands at 1,780 tonnes of CO2e, down 6.26% over two years, despite a growing fleet. Efforts are focused in particular on reducing air travel, with a reduction of over 30% in emissions on a like-for-like basis since 2023.
Class40 brought together equipment suppliers and riggers for a working session dedicated to technical challenges. These discussions addressed equipment reliability, dynamic loads, equipment optimisation, as well as cost control and the evolution of class rules.
This collaborative effort confirms Class40's commitment to establishing a high-performance, coherent and sustainable class.
Where will Class40 be sailing in April?
April marks the start of the Class40 season, with the fleet split between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
In La Trinité-sur-Mer, 16 Class40s are competing in the SPI Ouest-France BPGO, the traditional opening event of the Manche Atlantique Trophy.
In the south, six boats are taking part in the Paprec 600 in Saint-Tropez, a longer and more strategic offshore race.
Finally, also in La Trinité-sur-Mer, the Trin'40 will bring together around thirty Class40s for this first solo race. A first major test of the season, a few months ahead of the big events.
Find out more at www.class40.com