On Sunday, 50 boats were on the start line of this new edition for the prologue won by Fred Duthil on Distinxion before the start of the 1st leg, tomorrow. This year again, it is going to be a tough edition sportingly speaking. The race is a classic race in its format with 4 legs between France, Ireland and Spain. It is going to be a mixture of inshore legs between Caen and Crosshaven, short legs (Crosshaven – Brest and La Corogne – Les Sables d’Olonne) and a long offshore leg between Brest and la Corogne via the famous Fasnet. As a whole, the competitors will sail no less than 1876 miles.
Michel Desjoyaux’ s come back on the circuit among the old veteran is to be pointed out. The internationalisation of the race is also confirmed with no less than 6 foreigners. Finally, the race is still very attractive with 15 rookies (1st timers) on the start line this year.
The race village in Caen’s harbour has been inaugurated on Saturday the 21st of July and since then has already received the visit of 128 000 people with 43 000 visitors on sunday alone. Already a record compared to the 2004 figures with 120 000 visitors. Numerous activities can be found to entertain the visitors. It’s also a great opportunity for the official sponsors to reach its public. In fact, Aigle, who is the official clothing sponsor, has a boutique in the heart of the village. On its side, Suzuki, who lends cars to the organization, has a special space in the village to present its new cars and allow potentials buyers to visit them. The village will also be there in Brest and in les Sables d’Olonne where the winner will be crowned.
For the 1st time in 5 years, eol won’t be there. In fact the agency is working on an ambitious project. So good luck to the competitors.
