French transatlantic race in June 2021

Entries are open for the second annual transatlantic Route Saint Pierre Lorient – Pure Ocean Challenge which gets underway on June 13, 2021. The 2150nm open class race starts from the French overseas territory St Pierre et Miquelon, off the east coast of Canada, and finishes in Lorient, France.

In 2020, the JP54 of Jean-Pierre Dick beat the time set by French sailing legend Eric Tabarly in 1987 by over one and a half days. Dick made the crossing in eight days, 12 hours and 16 minutes, and will be taking part again this summer hoping to improve his performance.

As well as being a multi-class boat race, the challenge also has the objective of highlighting ocean threats and the need to protect and restore fragile marine ecosystems. Entrants are also encouraged to help raise awareness of the plight our seas face and potentially collect data for scientific ocean studies.

“This route is special for me and it’s a thrill to be able to take part in the Pure Ocean Challenge for a second time,” said Dick. “Combining the sport of sailing with the advancement of ocean research and awareness is something I’m proud to be involved with.”

For more details: https://www.pure-ocean.org/en/route-st-pierre-lorient-defi-pure-ocean/