The 2026 edition of the DRHEAM-CUP/GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE (9/18 July) promises once again top calibre field, both in terms of quantity and quality, with the same mix of amateur and professional crews that is the hallmark of this multi-class race.
Will the tenth edition of the DRHEAM-CUP/GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE beat the 2022 record number of participants (117 boats) this year? One thing is certain: the 100-entrant mark will be reached or exceeded, as some fifty crews have already completed their entry forms to date, with three months to go before the race sets sail on Sunday 12 July from Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, to Lorient.
The DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE is for the third time (after 2018 and 2022) a qualifier for the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe, many participants will be heading out solo. It will be the case for the Ocean Fifty and Class 40s, both classes have included the race in their official season calendar – Act 3 of the Ocean Fifty Series and the third of four legs in the Class40 2026 Championship, as well as the IMOCA, Vintage Monohull and Vintage Multihull classes. They will all take the start of the DC 1000 course (*).
Anne-Claire Le Berre, skipper of the Ocean Fifty Upwind by MerConcept, has taken up the challenge: “The DRHEAM-CUP is a major race for me, I hope to complete my qualification for the Route du Rhum beforehand, to really concentrate on this race which will be my very first solo on the boat. With its course that combines coastal and offshore sailing, it is almost more complicated than a transatlantic due to the deckwork and traffic. It comes at the right time to measure myself against the rest of the fleet. It is going to be engaging and will be great to arrive at home, in Lorient!”
The DRHEAM-CUP/GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE will also be the first solo race for Normandy skipper Pierre-Louis Attwell on his IMOCA RESILIENT, who is launching a project on Tanguy Le Turquais’ former boat Lazare, with his sights set on the Vendée Globe 2028. “I love this race, which I already took part in on my former Class40. Its Norman roots obviously have meaning for me, and this year, it finishes in Lorient, where my project is based. I will be in the early stages of getting to know the boat so it will be a good trial run in a friendly event which brings together all the Offshore Racing family.”
Pep Costa, skipper of the Class40 VSF Sports also appreciates the race that brings together sailors from different backgrounds: “It is great to mix people, to share the experience with other classes all different sailors.” The Spaniard, who will be racing the DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE for the first time adds: “The race reminds me of my very first leg of the Solitaire du Figaro (in 2021) when I rounded Fastnet, which I remember fondly. I am very much looking forwards to the race, aiming to gain a maximum of solo experience on the boat and also perform well, as it is an important sporting challenge.”
An important race also for Tom Laperche, skipper of the Ultim SVR-Lazartigue, who won the 2022 edition, especially as it will be the first race of the season for the maxi-trimarans, which will be sailed with a crew: “I have great memories of this race which I have taken part in twice. The first time was on a Figaro, I finished second, just ahead of Armel Le Cléac’h and behind Sam Goodchild. The second, on an Ultim, without any competition but it was a good exercise at the beginning of the project. This time, the race fits in well with our calendar, most of the boats will be there, and there should be good competition. Last but not least, the course has rhythm and weather permitting, we will round the Isle of Man, and I have never been there. I am happy to be back on this race, which is always very well organised, and it is nice to sail with other classes.”
Whilst all the professional teams and skippers are eagerly awaiting the DRHEAM-CUP/GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE, so too are the many amateur sailors who, whether competing in the Open Large Monohulls, Multi 2000, IRC Double-handed and Crewed classes, etc, will be on the starting line in the harbour of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. “Personally, I go to race for the fun, especially as this year I am putting together a crew of friends. For us, who are complete amateurs, it is always uplifting and impressive to race with the professionals and share the same starting line as the Ultim, Imoca, Ocean Fifty and Class40s” explains Oscar Guérin, skipper of Faiaoahe, an aluminium cutter which he has sailed twice in the DRHEAM-CUP/GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE, double-handed with his father Rémy (winner in the Open Large Monohulls in 2020).
The field in this anniversary edition will perfectly embody the spirit of the race launched in 2016 by Jacques Civilise, with competition, sharing and celebration!
(*) Please note that the OSR rules have changed this year for boats entered in the DC1000 and DC1500 races and for categories OSR3, a list of additional equipment is listed in amendment Nb 2. The amendment also explains the additional medical examinations required by OSR 2026.
