It's never been seen before. In the port of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, the walls have been pushed back to accommodate the yachts in what promises to be a historic Rolex Fastnet Race. Between the Port Chantereyne and the Port de Commerce - right in the centre of town - 150 yachts have chosen to stop over in Normandy before heading to Cowes, England, where the start will take place on Saturday at 2pm (French time). Before that, visitors can discover these fabulous machines and meet the sailors. The IMOCAs, the Vendée Globe boats, can be seen in the Bassin du Commerce, while the Class40s and the big trimarans are moored in Port Chantereyne. In the next 48 hours, the fleet will head due north to reach the Solent, between the Isle of Wight and England.
Copyright : Arrivée Fastnet Cherbourg / Armel Vrac / Nicolas Touzé
A tough start
The start of this 50th edition promises to be grandiose, as it was two years ago. The fleet of 450 boats - the largest ever assembled in a starting area - will set off in sustained conditions with strong headwinds and heavy seas close to the Needles, the majestic chalk spires which mark the exit from the Solent. This armada will then round the Fastnet Rock, to the south of Ireland, before setting course for Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. According to the latest routing, the big Ultims trimarans are expected to arrive around midnight on Sunday night. The arrivals will then be staggered throughout the week.
Franck Cammas:
"This is the most famous race in the world, along with the Sydney - Hobart. It's a piece of sailing history. Tabarly took part in it and some editions have been tough, notably in 1979 with a huge storm. It's ingrained in people's minds, it's full of emotion and the start line is never easy. It's a great spectacle but when you're in the middle of it all, you're pretty tense.
Louis Duc
"It's the first time I've done this race in an IMOCA class, with my own boat. It's an ongoing adventure. In the English Channel, we grew up with Christophe Auguin, who won the Vendée Globe. The start promises to be tough. The aim is to get out of the Solent in one piece.
Sam Davies
"This is my tenth participation in the Rolex Fastnet Race. The first time, I was only 19 years old and I knocked on every door to get on board. One family said yes and offered me a huge opportunity. This race is important for young people and it's great to be here, right in the centre of town with our boats."
