D-100 UNTIL THIS GIANT EVENT!

*Two races to build power

"We're all about to climb a mountain that's even bigger than the others," agrees Armel Le Cléac'h (Maxi Banque Populaire XI). "It seems incredible to think that what we're about to attempt is possible," smiled Anthony Marchand (Actual Ultim 3). Since the autumn break, the skippers have been busy. They have all put their multihulls back in the water and have been doing a lot of training and practice sessions - sometimes together - in order to optimise the settings and not overlook any detail.

A new phase begins this week with the return to competition. They are currently taking part in the 24H Ultim (speed runs and a 500-mile double-handed loop). It's a way of building up to the Transat Jacques Vabre - Normandie Le Havre. The boats can be admired on the quays of Le Havre from 20 to 29 October before the big start and the 7,000 miles (3,780 km) to Martinique.

Then it's back to France to make the final preparations for the ARKEA ULTIM CHALLENGE - Brest.

The six competitors in the ARKEA ULTIM CHALLENGE - Brest :

Charles Caudrelier (Maxi Edmond de Rothschild)
Thomas Coville (Sodebo Ultim 3)
Tom Laperche (SVR - Lazartigue)
Armel Le Cléac’h (Banque Populaire XI)
Anthony Marchand (Actual Ultim 3)
Éric Péron (ADAGIO) – sous réserve de qualification