Under a brilliant sun, Port-Camargue was alive with emotion as the MED MAX I Occitanie - Saïdia Resorts set sail.
Yann Eliès, a seasoned sailor, couldn't believe it: "I never thought I'd see so many people, it's incredible!
The jubilant crowd greeted each boat in an atmosphere worthy of the greatest races. At 1pm, the sails were hoisted and the fleet of 25 duos left the harbour to great applause.

Conditions evolved rapidly, offering the skippers their first strategic challenge in the early hours. It was an intense day, which paved the way for a tactical race.

Course changed, race restarted

The unpredictable Mediterranean has forced a change of course on the eve of the start. The Ocean Fifty, now on the old Class40 route, will cross the Bouches de Bonifacio before heading for the Balearics. The Class40s, on the other hand, will be heading south, avoiding the worst of the weather. "That will leave more suspense," confided Corentin Douguet (Centrakor) on the quayside.
The challenge is back on, and the arrival in Saïdia promises to be full of surprises.