Passionate about regattas, discover the 10 most important nautical races in the world.
The America's Cup
The America's Cup is a mythical competition of international stature. Having begun in 1851, the race owes its name to the Hundred Guinjeas Cup, an ancient competition won by a schooner ahead of 14 powerful British boats, the America.
The Volvo Ocean Race
This race, originally called Whitbread Round the World Race, only concerns monohulls. The start was given in 2012 on the coast of Alicante. The course consists of nine stages and ends in Galway, Ireland. The Groupama Sailing Team will emerge as the winner of this race.
The Admiral's Cup
Although the Admiral's Cup was cancelled in 2005 due to a lack of participants, the Admiral's Cup is preparing for its triumphant return very soon, to the delight of the fans. This world championship of deep-sea sailing began in 1957 on the shores of the Isle of Wight and is contested over six rounds by teams of three yachts.
The Jules Verne Trophy
More considered as a nautical challenge, this competition consists of sailing around the world as quickly as possible with a crew, without stopovers or assistance. The trophy, currently held by Loïck Peyron aboard the trimaran Maxi Banque Populaire V, will be passed on to the person who achieves a new record.
The Solitaire du Figaro
The Solitaire du Figaro is no ordinary race. Divided into 3 or 4 stages, it is held every 3 years and never follows the same route. Formerly known as the Dawn Race, this single-handed regatta was first organised in 1970 by the newspaper L'Aurore, which was relayed by the daily Le Figaro in 1980.
The Tall Ship's Race
The Tall Ship's Race is contested by the world's largest sailing ships. This international race of sailing schools aims to stimulate international friendship, but also to introduce young sailors to the art of sailing.
The Transat Jacques Vabre
Nicknamed the Coffee Route, this transatlantic race, whether double-handed or single-handed, is organised every two years and lasts around ten days. This regatta brings together France (Le Havre) and South America and generally prepares owners of large ships for the Vendée Globe.
The Vendée Globe
The Vendée Globe consists of a solo circumnavigation of the globe without assistance or stopovers. Also known as the "Everest of the sea" because of its complexity, it brings together the best 60-foot monohulls at the start in Les Sables-d'Olonne every four years in November.
The Fastnet Race
This regatta is certainly not the easiest one. Particularly trying, this nautical race takes place between Cowes and Plymouth. Organised for the first time in 1925, it challenges the world's greatest skippers.
The Route du Rhum
The Route du Rhum is a solo Atlantic crossing. Following in the footsteps of former merchant ships, this transatlantic race is rather short and links, every 4 years, the Breton town of Saint-Malo to Pointe-Ã -Pitre, in Guadeloupe.
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