Entries open for Route Saint Pierre Lorient – Pure Ocean Challenge

Entries are open for the second annual transatlantic Route Saint Pierre Lorient – Pure Ocean Challenge which gets under way on June 13th. The open class event offers sailors a competitive way to travel to Europe for the summer racing season after completing the Caribbean regatta series this spring.

The 2150nm race will set sail from the French overseas territory St Pierre et Miquelon, off the east coast of Canada, finishing in Lorient, France.

Last year, the JP54 of Jean-Pierre Dick beat the time set by French sailing legend Eric Tabarly in 1987 by over one and a half days. The four-times Transat Jacques Vabre winner will be taking part again this summer hoping to improve his performance.

As well as being a multi-class boat race, the challenge also has the objective of highlighting ocean threats and the need to protect and restore fragile marine ecosystems. Entrants are also encouraged to help raise awareness of the plight our seas face and potentially collect data for scientific ocean studies.

David Sussmann, founder of Pure Ocean, said: “The Pure Ocean Challenge gives entrants the option to head back to Europe after the Caribbean racing season as part of an offshore race whilst also contributing to efforts to restore ocean health – a race we can’t afford to lose.

“Jean-Pierre Dick and Morgane Poupon set the standard last year and we’re inviting all classes to join him this year for an exhilarating and fast-paced Transat to Lorient ”

In 2020, Jean-Pierre Dick made the crossing in eight days, 12 hours and 16 minutes, beating the time of 10 days, 1 hour and 31 minutes set by Eric Tabarly, 33 years earlier.

Jean-Pierre Dick said: “This route is special for me and it’s a thrill to be able to take part in the Pure Ocean Challenge for a second time. Combining the sport of sailing with the advancement of ocean research and awareness is something I’m proud to be involved with.”

Pure Ocean supports innovative research projects that contribute to the protection of fragile marine ecosystems and biodiversity whilst also organising events to raise public understanding of the critical situation our ocean faces.

Currently, the foundation finances ten global projects including initiatives examining changes in ocean temperature and biodiversity, microplastics in marine life and a Mediterranean project to establish a network of artificial floating reefs produced using 3D printers.

Offshore sailor Philippe Paturel, founder and president of Route Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, is co-organising the race. He said: “Following the success of last year’s race, we are pleased that Saint-Pierre and Miquelon can host the start for a second time. Protection of the ocean is central to the ethos of Route Saint-Pierre and Miquelon and by working with the Pure Ocean Foundation we can promote sport and sustainability.”

For more information please visit the Pure Ocean website or email clement@pure-ocean.org

by Robin Clegg