The 15th edition of the CIC Normandy Channel Race came to a close with the prize-giving ceremony on Sunday, September 22. For the first time, a Norman was crowned in this great Normandy classic. Fabien Delahaye and Benjamin Schwartz, aboard the Class40 Legallais, have added their names to the trophy, where all the champions crowned since the event's creation in 2010 are listed. The 2024 edition lived up to the event's reputation in terms of sport, media coverage and popularity. Here's an overview of a successful anniversary edition.
A breathtaking sports scenario
On Sunday September 15, 25 Class40s and 50 sailors took the start of the CIC Normandy Channel Race 2024. The highest participation rate of the year in this series. But the sheer number of competitors did not detract from the quality of the line-up, which was of an unbelievably high standard. A start in summery weather didn't dampen the skippers' appetite for battle, as from the moment the starting gun was fired, the show was on. Thomas and Raphaël Lurton, the event's newcomers aboard the oldest Class40 in the fleet (number 100 Ose Ta Victoire), didn't let their heads drop, crossing the start line first after a superb port maneuver when the rest of the fleet was launched on starboard. Then it was the Baie de Seine locals, Guillaume Pirouelle and Cédric Château on Sogestran - Seafrigo (197), who took control of the show course. They never relinquished the lead in the first part of the race, as far as the south of England and the tip of Cornwall. In fact, in a weather scenario that is quite rare for this event, with light conditions over the first few days of the race, it was the duo from Le Havre who emerged as the leaders. From the Isles of Saint-Marcouf to Land's End, via the Solent and the Isle of Wight, they made their way through the compulsory course markers in the lead, always opting for the right strategic choices and timing their crossings just right. Under pressure, it was on the ascent of the Celtic Sea that he finally relinquished the lead. Legallais (199) led the fleet to the legendary Tuskar Rock in 2 days 09 hours 00 minutes and 05 seconds. Then, taking advantage of favorable downwind conditions, Groupe SNEF (178) took over the reins in the gybe battle to the legendary Fastnet lighthouse. It was only once Wolf Rock had been passed in the return direction that the race changed radically. A grueling return to the English Channel for the fleet, which was picked off by an intense NE'ly air flow of 20-25 knots upwind, gusting up to 30 knots. All this in rough seas, with currents reinforced by the high tides. In these tough conditions, it wasn't until the tricky passage through Barfleur that Class40 Legallais (199) finally broke away on a winning tack to the finish line.
Pointed bows: an exciting race within a race
In this extremely tight and indecisive regatta scenario, a race within a race was raging. For the first time, the CIC Normandy Channel Race offered a ranking for Class40s with pointed bows. In contact with the pack of scows, Trim Control (115) and Free Dom (139) fought it out all the way to the south of Ireland. Ditto for Belco CEC (147) and esatco (141), who engaged in a real 5-day match race. Sailing on sight was stimulating for the skippers and exciting for the public, proving that the ranking of pointed-bow yachts is far from being taken lightly and has real sporting value in the eyes of the skippers. In the end, it was Alexandre Le Gallais and Henri De Mallet, aboard Trim Control (115), who took first place. It's a well-deserved result, as they led from start to finish, sailing cleanly and in contact with the latest-generation scows.
A media and popular success
With exceptional media coverage for an event exclusively reserved for Class40s, the CIC Normandy Channel Race further consolidates its status as a unique event in the ocean racing landscape. Firstly, on television, with a 1-hour live start broadcast on a national channel, La Chaîne L'Équipe, thanks to the support of the CIC, and a regional channel, France 3 Normandie numérique. Also through short programs broadcast daily on La Chaîne L'Équipe and France 3 Normandie. On the airwaves, France Bleu Normandie brought the race to life for its listeners through various programs throughout the two-week event. Finally, Ouest-France showed no lack of interest in the great Normandy classic, with a daily presence in its columns. The race village was also well attended by the Caen public, who were able to take part in the many activities on offer, including La Base Paddle CIC. And let's not forget the visit of almost 500 schoolchildren on the Quai Vendeuvre the day before the village opened. A moment of exchange between the children and the skippers.
Source : Sirius évènements
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