After the record edition in September 2022, which saw nearly 30 IMOCA boats on the starting line, the Défi Azimut - Lorient Agglomeration is back for another edition in 2023. From September 19 to 24, the cream of the skippers will meet at Lorient La Base for the 13th edition of this regatta that has become an event.

Initially conceived as a friendly competition for 5 or 6 boats, the "Défi" quickly became the big meeting of the class before the annual event in the fall. "Since we liked the recipe, we wanted to do it again the following year with additional ingredients!" explains Jean-Marie Corteville, CEO of Azimut and organizer of the Azimut Challenge. "Every year, we add spices... From now on, we co-construct this event with Lorient Agglomeration and all its skills and services: the Nautical Center of Lorient, La Sellor, Lorient Grand Large, the port of Lorient-La Base..."
 
For 2023, the varied and complete sports program that has made the Challenge a success will be on the agenda:
September 20: speed runs between Lorient and the island of Groix with a crew
September 21 to 23: 48h offshore double-handed + one media (wo)man
September 24: crewed tour of the island of Groix
 
On land, conferences, round tables and animations for the youngest will be proposed by the Azimut Challenge and its partners. In 2022, 200 children from the communes of the Lorient agglomeration visited the pontoons and attended the regattas on the water. "It was a challenge in the Challenge to receive all these children from the communes of Lorient Agglomeration. We took particular care to welcome them at the Base as well as on the pontoons, on board the IMOCA boats and during a sailing trip. This is the way to create vocations. The Azimut Challenge sows seeds, that's our message and our action"explains Candice Crépeau, director of the event.
 
In 2023, culture will also be honored on the Challenge: "we will play with places, on The Base. With a concept a little different from other years... There are lots of ideas!"promises Jean-Marie Corteville.
 
About thirty IMOCA boats are expected for this 13th edition, including a third of new boats that will compete in their first race before the 2023 Transat Jacques Vabre.