Taking on the French in their house

With just over a month to go to the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre, the 2019 Azimut Challenge in Lorient was a test for many of the boats, whether they were old or new, foilers or not.

The ninth edition was raced double-handed on September 18-22, beginning with crewed runs to see who could get the best time over the distance of 1.5 miles. On the following day, 20 IMOCAs started the 48 hour, 665-mile course. The event closes with a race around the island of Groix.

The 11th Hour Racing Team, which has their eye on The Ocean Race 2021-22, has begun their education in the IMOCA 60 Class which will be used in the crewed, round the world race. Team leader Charlie Enright, along with Pascal Bidégorry, who will be competing in the Transat, led their entry to a third place finish in the 48-hour double-handed race out of Lorient, France.