The Arkea Ultim Challenge Brest 2024, an exceptional race to be experienced in Brest!
On January 7, 6 skippers will take the start of an unprecedented solo race: the Arkea Ultim Challenge Brest. On the program: a 40,000-kilometer circumnavigation of the globe on a giant trimaran, alone against the elements, the sea... and yourself.
An unprecedented round-the-world sail
The course of the Arkea Ultim Challenge Brest 2024 is well known to sailors, as it is modelled on that of the Vendée Globe. François Gabard holds the record, with a time of 42 days and 16 hours. But this time, it will be the first edition as a race, for multihulls in the Ultim 32/23 group (23 to 30 meters long).
On January 7, Anthony Marchand, Armel Le Cleac'h, Charles Caudrelier, Thomas Coville, Tom Laperche and Eric Péron will head for the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin, Cape Horn and finally Brest. The French skippers are expected back in early February.
"There's no better place in the world than Brest to set off and return from a round-the-world voyage. Olivier de Kersauson, navigator
40 to 50 days at sea... in extreme conditions
This 21,600 nautical mile (40,000 kilometer) west-to-east circumnavigation of the globe will be a real human... and technological challenge. The extreme climatic conditions and
possible obstacles will add to the skippers' solitude, requiring them to adapt their trajectory and demonstrate unfailing vigilance and intense mental strength. The wide variety of weather conditions and currents will undoubtedly prove testing for both men and equipment.
Cock-a-doodle-doo! The race will feature only French skippers.
A festive occasion in Brest
For lovers of the sea and sailing, this event is sure to be a memorable highlight in the town's history.
On January 29, the Ultims' arrival parade will launch the week-long festivities. The Quai Malbert, where these extraordinary boats are based, will also host the race village, an 11,000 m² space open to all. With concerts, entertainment and food outlets, this venue dedicated to ocean racing and the world of the oceans in general will be the place to be. many events.
The Ateliers des Capucins, the Cité du Ponant's emblematic third-party venue, will also be part of the festivities, housing the command post until the end of the race.
Where will we be able to see the departure of the boats?
The start of the race will not go unnoticed in Brest harbour! Here are a few places to watch the 6 giant trimarans set sail:
- Departure parade, from Quai Malbert, on January 7th around 9 a.m.
- On the path to the Portzic lighthouse
- Along the Dellec cove
- If you're on the other side of the harbour, the Pointe des Espagnols
- La Pointe du Minou, departure around 1pm.
Brest, in the footsteps of the explorers
Brest has always been the starting point for great maritime epics, voyages to unknown lands, encounters with exotic civilizations and plants. The names of Bougainville, La Pérouse, Kerguelen and Charcot still echo throughout the city: the Jardin des Explorateurs and the Musée National de la Marine are must-sees!
Even today, the quays of Brest exude a sense of escape and a taste for the open sea. It's not for nothing that many sailors have a special attachment to the area. In fact, Brest pays tribute to them on its "Port des records" promenade, the Breton "Hollywood Boulevard"! On the Quai Eric Tabarly, in the Marina du Château, discover bronze plaques with the handprints of record-breaking sailors. No doubt another plaque will be added when the Arkea Ultim Challenge Brest 2024 returns, with a new record to proudly display!
