Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 M600 LEADERBOARD

15th CIC Normandy Channel Race Finish

by Normandy Channel Race 20 Sep 05:59 PDT 20 September 2024
Fabien Delahaye and Benjamin Schwartz on Legallais (199) wins the 15th Normandy Channel Race © Jean-Marie LIOT / CIC NCR2024

Following an extremely close race and a final night spent punching into an intense current, it was Legallais (199) which finally took the win in this 15th edition of the CIC Normandy Channel Race.

Skippers Fabien Delahaye and Benjamin Schwartz crossed the finish line at 09:27:28 UTC after 4 days 21 hours 17 minutes and 28 seconds of racing. They boasted a dazzling lead of 1 hour and 16 minutes over Project Rescue Ocean (162), whose crew of Axel Trehin and Erwan Le Mené secured silver in this action-packed race. Completing the podium were the stellar Italian duo of Alberto Bona and Alberto Riva aboard IBSA (186).

For a long while, the final hierarchy in this 2024 edition remained undecided given how tightly bunched the fleet were, the leaders constantly changing throughout this course taking them from Normandy to southern England and on to southern Ireland, guarded by its lighthouses at Tuskar and Fastnet. Starting out with a tactical race in rather light conditions, the race ambiance changed dramatically once the fleet passed off the south-west tip of Cornwall for a second time. Already utterly exhausted, the sailors had to contend with 25-30 knots of NE'ly breeze accompanied by a strong current associated with a spring tide in this final sprint for home across the English Channel. It was only once it had left Barfleur in its wake that the Class40 Legallais (199) managed to shake off its pursuers and relish their victorious dash for the line.

"After a few podium finishes and a few times of leading at Barfleur, this time victory was assured. We managed to put pedal to the metal at the right moment, put in some solid tacks, move back up into the lead and then extend away. We took the win with panache and with a good lead so we're thrilled. It couldn't have gone any better and we've rounded off the season in style. This performance has established the reputation of this campaign, which is just a year in the making, so it's a very positive note to end on! It's a genuine source of pride to be heading this Norman campaign with the backing of a local company based in Caen and to win in a place where I put in my first tacks," beamed Fabien Delahaye at the finish in Ouistreham.

Through this performance, Fabien Delahaye has added another chapter to the history of the CIC Normandy Channel Race by becoming the first Norman skipper to win this great Norman classic.

Also sailing a fantastic race, which saw its crew leading at the start of the sprint for home across the English Channel, Project Rescue Ocean (162) finished second behind Legallais. "That's what is so great about this race, you know that there's everything to play for from start to finish. On the return leg from the Fastnet to Land's End, the other boats were quicker than us on a reach, which was the missing link in our quest for the top spot," explained Axel Tréhin as he docked in. Co-skipper Erwan Le Mené was also full of praise for this event as he shared his initial impressions: "It's my first participation and I'm not disappointed. What a wonderful course, a wonderful line-up and a wonderful match! Axel's experience in this event really bore fruit this year and enabled us to chase down this second place." Bravo to these magnificent runners-up in this CIC Normandy Channel Race 2024

The Italians on IBSA (186), Alberto Bona and Alberto Riva, really came back strong in the sprint for the finish to secure a much-deserved final spot on the podium ahead of Sogestran - Seafrigo (197). The latter was another key mover and shaker throughout this edition but skippers Guillaume Pirouelle and Cédric Chateau ultimately fell just 5 minutes shy of a medal. Finally, thanks to a daring option to the north of the Casquets TSS, Alternative Sailing - Constructions du Belon (196), bagged the final spot in the Top 5.

Find out more at normandy-race.com/en

Related Articles

A new Freedom debuts
Freedom 345 is making its debut in Fort Lauderdale Grady-White's NEW Freedom 345 is making its debut in Fort Lauderdale. Posted on 31 Oct
48 hours in silence - even on a diesel boat
Introducing the Responsible Power package: all the benefits of hybrid without going hybrid Greenline Yachts is making strides in making their diesel-powered yachts more sustainable by eliminating the need for a generator. Posted on 31 Oct
Introducing the new Absolute Navetta 62
The 62ft Navetta embodies innovative, contemporary features that set new standard in luxury yachting The Navetta 62 is a stunning yacht that embodies the innovative spirit and contemporary elegance of Absolute Yachts. Posted on 31 Oct
Yamarin set to unveil new flagship powerboat
Proud to announce the launch of its largest powerboat yet Yamarin, the premium Finnish boat brand synonymous with elegance, quality, and exceptional handling, is proud to announce the launch of its largest powerboat yet. Posted on 31 Oct
Boston Whaler debuts the all-new 330 Vantage
At the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Boston Whaler introduced its all-new 330 Vantage (“330”) today, which completes the evolution of the dual-console Vantage family lineup. Debuting at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Posted on 31 Oct
World Cat debuts new 400DC-X Island
Successor to the 400DC-X launched World Cat has launched the new 400DC-X Island, the successor to the 400DC-X, at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Posted on 31 Oct
Quick USA introduces Sanguineti, Nemo and Xenta
Bringing Made in Italy quality and cutting-edge technology to the US boating market From technologically advanced integrated solutions to top quality deck fixtures, fittings and core components, the Italian headquartered Quick Group is one of the world's leading players in marine equipment for the yacht and superyacht sectors Posted on 30 Oct
SunDeck 3200 heralds new dawn for Hurricane Boats
The latest high point of Hurricane Boats' designs Hurricane Boats, legendary innovator in versatile deck boat designs, ushers in the next chapter in its storied history with the launch of its latest model for 2025 - the SunDeck 3200. Posted on 30 Oct
The BB44 Main Deck - Functional excellence
At Boston Boatworks, we're building the next generation of excellence The BB44 combines the amazing ride of a BB advanced-composite Zurn Yacht Design hull with an elegant home-on-the water living space created by Winch Design. Posted on 28 Oct
Heesen delivers YN 20457 MY Santosha
A personalised masterpiece for the new owners Heesen Yachts is delighted to announce the delivery of YN 20457, Santosha, a highly personalised superyacht crafted to meet the unique tastes and preferences of her new owners. Posted on 28 Oct
Trinidad and Tobago - Sail Service StayMaritimo 2023 M600 FOOTER