Drheam-Cup: A tenth anniversary from Cherbourg-en-Cotentin to Lorient

Drheam-Cup 2022 © Thierry Martinez / Drheam-Cup 2022

Launched in 2016, the Drheam-Cup / Grand Prix de France de Course au Large will celebrate its tenth anniversary during its sixth edition, which will take place from 9 to 18 July 2026. Once again a qualifier for the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe, the race will continue to evolve, with a new destination, Lorient, and a new Race Director, Francis Le Goff.

Each edition brings something new in LA DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE! To mark the tenth anniversary of the event he created in 2016 and quickly established as a flagship offshore racing event held every two years in July, Jacques Civilise wishes to preserve the DNA that made it a sporting and popular success, based on the triptych of competition, sharing and celebration, while continuing to grow it.

The major change for the sixth edition taking place from 9 to 18 July 2026 is the destination: Lorient will replace La Trinité-sur-Mer, a loyal companion since the beginning - the Morbihan town hosted the start of the first edition and the finish of the following four. "The transfer is going smoothly with La Trinité-sur-Mer, that we thank for their understanding and support since 2016," commented Jacques Civilise, before explaining the change: "For the 2026 edition, we are expecting higher numbers of large boats than usual. First, every four years is a qualifier for the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe. Secondly, because the DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE is gaining in popularity and therefore in appeal with each edition, particularly internationally. This was confirmed in 2024, with over a third of participants (ten nationalities) from abroad."

Another reason for this change: "To celebrate the race's tenth anniversary, we want to keep all the boats in the port of arrival until the prize-giving ceremony on 18 July, which was not possible in the middle of summer in La Trinité-sur-Mer. We have this incredible luxury in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin for the start, and Lorient is enthusiastically offering it to us for the finish," says the founder and organiser of the DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE, who will be celebrating his 80th birthday on this occasion.

He also adds: "Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and Lorient share many similarities, including a very close population size (around 200,000 inhabitants in both conglomerations, which partners in the race). Both cities suffered great loss during the Second World War before rebuilding themselves, particularly through their maritime activity and have a well-established enthusiasm for ocean racing."

This satisfaction is shared by both partners. The agreement signed by Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and the organiser, following the deliberations of the municipal council on 30 April, states: "Welcoming the DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE goes beyond a simple sporting event. It is a unique opportunity for the city to highlight its maritime heritage, strengthen its attractiveness to sailing enthusiasts and showcase the area on a national and international level". The letter of commitment from Lorient Agglomération dated 27 August is equally enthusiastic: "We are delighted to welcome the DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE, which is now one of the major French and international offshore races. It very naturally fits into our sailing event calendar. The fleet will benefit from our port facilities, particularly Lorient-La Base, which is now one of the leading centres for ocean racing. "

The official race village in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin will open from 9 to 12 July. The DRHEAM-TROPHY, prologue and setting for the Rêves de Large event, which gives young people from the region the opportunity join in on racing boats, will take place on 11 July. The start of the DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE will be given on 12 July. All under the supervision of a new race director, Francis Le Goff, who works (or has worked) for the largest events (Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe, Transat Café L'Or, Solitaire du Figaro Paprec, etc.). "Hervé Gautier, who has followed us for three editions, has decided to step down, and we are honoured to welcome a new race director of the highest calibre, Francis Le Goff, assisted by François Séruzier", explains Jacques Civilise.

The duo quickly set to work drafting the notice of race, which has just been published and is available on the DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE website, which has been given a makeover for the occasion, sporting a new, deliberately understated and educational design, and this time, it works well on mobile devices! No changes for the three courses: the DC 1500 for the ULTIM class, the DC 1000 for IMOCA, Ocean Fifty, Class40, Multi 2000, Vintage Mono, Vintage Multi and Open large monohulls, the DC 600 for the Sun Fast 30 One Design, Figaro Beneteau 3, Mini 6.50, IRC crewed and double handed and Classic Yachts. The race is a qualifier for the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe, the classes concerned will race single handed on the DC1000 course (IMOCA, Ocean Fifty, Class 40, Vintage Mono and Vintage Multi).

The first arrivals are expected in Lorient harbour around 14 July, France's Bastille Day, which promises a great atmosphere on the pontoons!

For more information visit en.drheam-cup.com