X40 - Extreme Sailing series

« The best world multihull skippers are found on this international circuit. They are attracted by the format of the competition and more specifically by its complexity. Indeed, we sail close to the shore and must face many elements affecting the conditions of navigation. Buildings, dams, shallow waters… all have an impact affecting the conditions of the wind.

What thus attracts me more particularly to this circuit is the necessity to develop a capacity for anticipating the specificities of each race course, by taking into account a maximum of parameters. It is necessary to learn and adapt even more quickly than on an open water race course.

Moreover, at each Act the spectators gather on pontoons and create an environment out of the ordinary in the world of sailing. A unique opportunity to share with the public the intensity and the emotions of the race, but also by having a fifth man on board who has the possibility to race with us.

After two seasons at the helm of Group Edmond De Rothschild, I had the privilege to join the prestigious team Alinghi in 2011 allowing me to continue my course and my training in this tough and challenging championship, together with renowned sailors having taken part in and won several America’s Cups and Olympic Games. » Yann

The boat - Extreme 40 (X40)

Extreme 40 is a class of sailing catamarans created by Tornado Sport and designed by Yves Loday. They are 40ft long and built out of carbon fibre. They can reach a maximum speed of roughly 30 knots and allow to sail under extreme conditions.

Extreme 40 are the boats used in the Extreme Sailing Series. This circuit consists of nine Acts throughout the world from February to December. It pits 11 teams against one another in extreme and exceptional conditions. Each Act takes place in a big international city and the characteristic of this competition lies in its proximity with the public. The skippers must therefore show great qualities to control the specificity of each race course, the speed of the boats and the proximity with the shore, all this at a furious pace leading them to dispute up to 35 regattas in 5 days. This extreme format attracts the best helmsman in the world, as well as media allured by this format of competition.