This Sunday 22 September played host to the prize-giving ceremony to conclude this 15th edition of the CIC Normandy Channel Race. For the very first time, victory in this epic Norman classic went to a Norman sailor. Indeed, the names of Fabien Delahaye and Benjamin Schwartz, aboard the Class40 Legallais, have now been added to the trophy, along with those of all the many champions since the event was created back in 2010. The 2024 edition certainly lived up to expectations on a competitive level, as well as proving to be a big hit among the media and the public. We get the low-down on this fantastic anniversary edition.
A breath-taking plot line
On Sunday 15 September, 25 Class40s and 50 sailors took the start of the CIC Normandy Channel Race 2024 in what was the largest line-up of the year in this series. Equally, the quantity was matched by the quality with a stellar level of competition taking the start line. Setting sail in balmy conditions, the competitors still managed to put on quite the show on the waters of the Baie de Seine. Thomas and Raphaël Lurton, rookies of the event aboard the oldest Class40 of the fleet (number 100 Ose Ta Victoire), were first across the line after a superb manoeuvre on port tack whilst the rest of the fleet were powered up on starboard. Next up, local sailors Guillaume Pirouelle and Cédric Château on Sogestran – Seafrigo (197) took over the lead during the coastal course, holding onto the top spot as far as southern England and the south-west tip of Cornwall. Indeed, in what was a rather rare weather sequence in this event, namely light conditions for the first few days of racing, the duo from Le Havre were the key movers and shakers. From the Saint Marcouf archipelago to Land’s End, via the Isle of Wight and the Solent, they were the first to tick off the compulsory race marks by nailing their timing of the tricky sections. Under pressure as they began the climb up the Celtic Sea, they finally let go of the reins. Legallais (199) was the first to snatch the lead, reaching the legendary Tuskar Rock in 2 days 09 hours 00 minutes and 05 seconds. Making the most of the favourable downwind conditions for their steed, the crew on Groupe SNEF (178) then had a go on the reins in the gybing battle down to the notorious Fastnet lighthouse. However, on rounding Wolf Rock on the return leg, the race took a very turn as the English Channel scooped the fleet up in an intense 20-25 knot NE’ly breeze on the nose, gusting to 30 knots. The backdrop at this point involved heavy seas, which were very difficult to cope with due to the strong current associated with the spring tides. In such harsh conditions, onlookers had to wait until the hazardous passage off Barfleur before the crew on the Class40 Legallais (199) managed to definitively shake off her pursuers and launch onto a victorious sprint for home with their foot to the floor.
The sharps: a thrilling race within a race
The plot line for the sharp racing was also extremely exciting given how tightly the fleet was bunched. For the very first time, the CIC Normandy Channel Race offered the sharp bowed Class40s their very own ranking. In close contact with the gang of scows, Trim Control (115) and Free Dom (139) were embroiled in an action-packed mano a mano as far as southern Ireland. The same was true for Belco CEC (147) and esatco (141), who were match racing for 5 days solid, resulting in some highly motivating racing for the skippers, which was thrilling to watch from land and proved the value of this extra ranking for the sharp skippers. Ultimately, Alexandre Le Gallais and Henri De Mallet aboard Trim Control (115) secured the top spot on the leader board. Just rewards given how well they sailed, staying out front from beginning to end and even keeping pace with some of the latest generation scows.
A media and public success
With some truly exceptional media coverage for this event reserved exclusively for Class40s, the CIC Normandy Channel Race has established a firm foothold in the ocean racing landscape. This is highlighted on a televisual level by the 1hr live coverage of the start on France’s nationwide channel, La Chaîne L’Équipe, with the support of the CIC, as well as local coverage from the digital version of France 3 Normandie. There were also short TV programmes broadcast on a daily basis on La Chaîne L’Équipe and France 3 Normandie. Radio coverage was provided by France Bleu Normandie, who treated its listeners to various programmes throughout the two-week event. Finally, the Ouest-France newspaper provided substantial coverage of this great Norman classic with daily articles. The race village was also very popular among the locals with a number of activities on offer, including La Base Paddle CIC for stand-up paddleboarders. Of equal importance was a dockside visit to the Quai Vendeuvre by nearly 500 schoolchildren the day before the village opened, which is an excellent opportunity for exchange that is always relished by the children and skippers alike.
Over the past 15 editions, the CIC Normandy Channel Race has naturally become an absolute reference. This recognition is thanks to a culmination of a whole series of wonderful ingredients, which make the event so special. Boasting a demanding course, an international standard of competition, incredible competitive plot lines, the Class40 spirit, significant media coverage and loyal partners, each year this incredible mix attracts specialists from across France and overseas, eager to do battle in the English Channel and the Celtic Sea, thus reinforcing the prestige and the recognition of those who are crowned on Norman soil. Roll on May 2025!
Share this article:
