FIVE GIANTS ASSAULTING HISTORY

© polaRYSE / GITANA SA

An experienced trio and two “bizuths”

Among these sailors, three qualified by crossing the finish line of the last Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe. This is the case of the winner of la Transatlantic, Charles Caudrelier (Maxi Edmond de Rothschild), Thomas Coville (Sodebo Ultim 3, 3rd in Guadeloupe) and Armel Le Cléac’h (Banque Populaire XI). The two “bizuths” of the class, Anthony Marchand and Tom Laperche, who respectively succeed Yves Le Blevec and François Gabart at the helm of Actual Ultim 3 and SVR-Lazartigue, have, for their part, had to fulfill a 2500 mile solo qualifying course. They did it without incident last month, at the beginning of June for Anthony, at the end of June for Tom.

“It will be interesting to see these two skippers rub shoulders with the others, they who demonstrate that there is room for young talents in this exceptional class”, reacts the Race Director. Throughout the year, sailors and their teams will be able to refine their preparation. Several races will allow them to gauge themselves and gain strength: La Rolex Fastnet Race (departure on July 22), Le Défi Ultim (from September 28 to October 1, 2023) and La Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre (departure on October 29).

A platform bringing together exceptional sailors and boats

The forces involved are known within this prestigious field and if the skippers competing are among the best in the world, it is through the duo they form with their boat that they will express all their oceanic expertise. In this regard, the 5 Ultim 32/23 Class trimarans which will reach Brest at the end of December, before setting off around the world in the first days of 2024, are the most advanced machines at the moment, capable of flying at high speed on all the oceans of the world and generate the most intense emotions. These giants of the seas will combine mythological epics and futuristic technologies around the globe.

Winner of La Rolex Fastnet Race (2019), La Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie le Havre (2021), la Finistère Atlantique and the last Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe (2022), the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild skippered by Charles Caudrelier made favorite figure. But SVR-Lazartigue (Tom Laperche) since its launch last year, has already demonstrated its effectiveness (2nd in la Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre in 2021, 2nd in la Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe in 2022 with François Gabart). Banque Populaire , 3rd in the last Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe. Finally, if Actual Ultim 3 (Anthony Marchand) is the oldest boat in the fleet (2015), she has also demonstrated on several occasions her ability to play at the forefront. One thing is certain, the ARKEA ULTIM CHALLENGE – Brest will bring together the best sailors, on the most incredible machines... facing the most legendary course there is.

The five registered skippers:
Charles Caudrelier (Maxi Edmond de Rothschild)
Armel Le Cléac’h (Banque Populaire XI)
Thomas Coville (Sodebo Ultim 3)
Tom Laperche (SVR-Lazartigue)
Anthony Marchand (Actual Ultim 3)