2026 CIC Med Channel Race Day 4

2026 CIC Med Channel Race © Jean-Marie Liot / CIC Med Race

Twists and Turns along the Sardinian Coast

The competitors in the second edition of the CIC MED CHANNEL RACE are entering their fourth day of racing, and the battle for the top spots remains fierce with 7 boats within 12 miles.

Class40 No. 142 PHARE 40 - HA PLUS PME, skippered by Mathieu Clvaeau and François Verdier, crossed the finish line first at 7:02 a.m. on Tuesday morning at the Bonifacio Straits, followed by No. 134 STELLA NOVA and No. 149 LES AILES DE CHARLOTTE. 24 hours later, the top three have changed, with STELLA NOVA leading the 8:00 AM rankings this morning, followed by boat number 168 RDT LOGISTIC - OCEAN CONNECT, skippered by Yves Courbon and Matthieu Henry, in second place, and boat number 142 PHARE 40 - HA PLUS PME. But much has happened in the interim, with at least two tactical sequences: one along the Sardinian coast, the other further offshore, where each boat had to defend its position, attempt more or less successful strategies, or make up ground.

The competitors are still sailing close-hauled into the wind in about 15 knots from the south, unable to take a direct route and further hampered by the firing zone south of Sardinia, which they must avoid. But deliverance is not far off, just 25 miles to the south before they can round the southeast corner of the firing zone and pull the helm, ease the sails by bearing away, and head directly for the ranking gate at the southern tip of Sardinia, which should be reached this afternoon.

Inshore or offshore?

Shortly after passing the Strait of Bonifacio, and while the leaders were taking a route away from the coast, Yves Courbon and Matthieu Henry made a bold choice by staying very close to shore. A wise decision, as they quickly found themselves with a 5-mile lead. The all-female crew of boat number 89, MER CONNEXION, with Ambre Hasson and Marine Feurstein, followed closely behind number 168 and quickly found themselves in second place—a remarkable achievement considering their Class40 is the oldest in the fleet.

The small group then resumed their lead along the open sea, aiming for the northeast corner of the firing zone. But this advantage was challenged when, in the evening, the previous leaders, PHARE HA PLUS PME and STELLA NOVA, sought a new, favorable option far offshore, allowing them to regain the lead during the night. At dawn, there were still 25 nautical miles to cover, maintaining the same course for the past three days, to round the southeast corner of the firing zone and head towards the next gate.

A welcome relief for these crews who had been sailing at an angle since Sunday's start, admittedly not in the worst wind and sea conditions, but still in a rather uncomfortable situation. The second half of the race should be dominated by downwind sailing.

GLACES ROMANE Abandons Race

The Class40 #179 GLACES ROMANE had to retire last night due to significant engine problems and a loss of power. They are making a stopover in Bonifacio before likely returning to Marseille. We wish them safe passage.

Also noteworthy over the past 24 hours is the excellent performance of the all-female crew MER CONNEXION, who not only made the right choice exiting the Strait of Bonifacio but also held their own in the tactical battles on the southward descent, securing a strong 5th place in the 08:00 rankings.

To access the crew presentations: www.med-race.com/les-equipages

To follow the race on the map (a position update every 15 minutes): www.med-race.com/suivre-la-course

Website: www.med-race.com