Class40 launches an Owners' Trophy and unveils its 2027 calendar

Class40 launches an Owners' Trophy © Manon Le Guen / Trin40

The 2027 season marks a new chapter for Class40. With the creation of an Owners' Trophy, the Class is expanding its sporting programme to better reflect the diversity of the projects that now make up its fleet.

This new addition fits into a calendar that remains as eventful as ever, comprising 14 races, over 12,300 nautical miles and four trophies spread across the English Channel, the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the major international classics.

Class40 Calendar 2027

A major new event: the Owners' Trophy

Class40 is continuing to develop its sporting programme with the creation, in 2027, of an Owners' Trophy.

This new competition is designed to highlight an essential aspect of the Class: the owners who sail first and foremost out of passion, with ambitious sporting projects that are nevertheless compatible with their professional lives.

The trophy will be based on three iconic international offshore races, all of which form part of the RORC Season's Points Championship:

• RORC Caribbean 600
• Rolex Fasntet Race
• Rolex Middle Sea Race

As well as introducing a new ranking system, this initiative also aims to build bridges between the IRC circuits and Class40. It will enable owners wishing to explore a new format to join a recognised international circuit, while benefiting from a lighter schedule that is compatible with their professional commitments.

"Diversity is part of Class40's DNA," says Cédric de Kervenoaël, President of Class40. "We welcome both professional skippers and passionate owners who sail alongside their other activities. With this new trophy, we want to offer them a suitable sporting framework, but also to show owners from other backgrounds - particularly from the IRC - that Class40 offers an accessible, demanding and particularly stimulating circuit."

"RORC is delighted to support the launch of the Class40 Owners' Trophy. Class40s have long been an exciting and important part of offshore racing, and this new trophy provides a compelling international challenge for committed owner-drivers. By bringing together three of the sport's most iconic offshore races, the initiative will strengthen the relationship between the Class40 and IRC communities while encouraging more owners to experience this competitive and rewarding class." Ben Willows, Sporting Director, Royal Ocean Racing Club

A calendar designed for all projects

This new addition forms part of the 2027 calendar, which reaffirms Class40's identity: offering a variety of formats, complementary sailing areas and routes suited to all profiles.

From the Mediterranean to the English Channel, from the Atlantic to the major international classics, skippers will be able to plan their season around 14 races combining offshore regattas, crewed races and double-handed races.

The Class40 Championship will continue to be structured around four major events:

• CIC Med Channel Race
• CIC Normandy Channel Race
• Les Sables-Horta-Les Sables (double-handed)
• Transat Café L'OR Normandie Le Havre, the highlight of the season.

The inclusion of the CIC Med Channel Race in the championship also underlines the Class's commitment to expanding its activities in the Mediterranean and encouraging crews based on the Atlantic coast to explore new sailing grounds.

Four trophies for four ways to sail

In 2027, Class40 will feature four complementary rankings...

Class40 Championship:

• CIC Med Channel Race
• CIC Normandy Channel Race
• Les Sables-Horta-Les Sables
• Transat Café L'OR Normandie Le Havre

English Channel - Atlantic Trophy:

• Spi Ouest-France Banque Populaire Grand Ouest
• Armen Race
• CIC Normandy Channel Race
• Rolex Fastnet Race
• 40 Malouine

Mediterranean Trophy:

• CIC Med Channel Race
• Paprec 600
• Porquerolles Race
• Massilia Cup Offshore
• Tour de Corse
• Rolex Middle Sea Race

NEW - Owner's trophy:

• RORC Caribbean 600
• Rolex Fastnet Race
• Rolex Middle Sea Race

With this 2027 calendar, Class40 reaffirms its ambition to offer a programme capable of catering for all sailing aspirations: professional campaigns, owner-led projects, exploring new waters or preparing for major transatlantic races. One Class, several ways to sail... but always the same spirit of competition and community that is the strength of Class40

Find out more at www.class40.com