Last September, there were more than 20 Imocas taking part to the new format of the Azimut Challenge. In 2020, for the 10th edition, they will be 30 to participate to the speed Runs, to the 48- hour offshore race, and to the record of the Tour de Groix, ... the three races that form the pillars of this convivial and high-level event.

The age of reason

Less than two months before the departure of the Vendée Globe, the 48-hour race will be competed single-handed, with a media man on board. After the transatlantic races and construction periods that will punctuate the year, the Azimut Challenge will be the last opportunity to complete the boats settings and to test them in real conditions before the grand meeting of the IMOCA class, taking place four times a year. Scheduled from September 9th to 13th, the Azimut Challenge is expected to be competed as usual in summer conditions for a renewed celebration.

“More than 70 sailors have already taken part to the Azimut Challenge since we launched it in 2011. This year the level of participation of exceptional champions is expected higher than ever: winners of Vendée Globe, Route du Rhum, Transat Jacques Vabre and Solitaire du Figaro... and it is for us a great pride» explains Jean-Marie Corteville, the Azimut Challenge organizer and CEO of the IT solutions company of the same name. “In 2020, we want to involve more broadly all boaters from Brittany who dream about Imocas boats by organizing a big parade to celebrate the sailors who will come for a fierce competition”.

Intertwined destinies

Closely linked to the great development that Lorient has demonstrated over the past 15 years, the Azimut Challenge will once again be able to rely on its strong partners.

Winner of the 2019 Azimut Challenge, Jérémie Beyou did not hide his satisfaction to have « won in Lorient this Azimut Challenge which is always so nice to compete».

As an expert of international sailing, Kevin Escoffier, second of the 48-hour race in 2019, said: “Every time the kiwis, Australian sailors or Englishmen come here in Lorient, they are very impressed. The Azimut Challenge is up to Lorient Sailing Valley, which has become the world center of offshore racing»

Lorient, in other words, is the place to be, that means the natural setting for the Azimut Challenge. With 160 meters of additional pontoons delivered next March, the infrastructure is ideal to welcome all IMOCAS who want to compete. And there will be many in 2020$