Jonas Gerckens (Red Dolphins Espoirs, Sun Fast 30 One Design): “We are expecting varying conditions, it will be very interesting to discover the Sun Fast 30 One Design. I really love multi-class races like the DRHEAM-CUP, which has between a major meet in few years and mixes pros and amateurs. There’s a bevy of great yachts on a technical course, it’s super interesting.»
Jean-Philippe Cau (Fastwave 6, IRC crewed): “Anything can happen given the conditions, which are changing every six hours, with the second half of the race looking complicated due to light airs. The DRHEAM-CUP is a race that has really found its place in the calendar, people come easily, it’s proof that there was a need. Every two years, alternating with the Fastnet, this is must-sail race. »
Eric Defert (Drekan Energy, Multi 2000): “This is my first DRHEAM-CUP, and I’m very happy to be here. I wanted to do a 600-mile race on my MOD70 on a technical course, which will enable me and the crew to hone our reflexes. I’m expecting a fast start, with a nice reaching leg across the English Channel, then upwind sailing along the English Southern coast to Wolf Rock. We’ll be tacking in around twenty knots of breeze, followed by a lighter reaching run to the DRHEAM-CUP waypoint. We’re going to work hard!»
Eric de Turckheim (Teasing Machine, IRC crewed): “I really like this race format, especially the whole south coast of England, which is always extremely interesting from a navigation point of view, with current reversals that require you to protect yourself in the large bays or go out to play further offshore. In just a few editions, the DRHEAM-CUP has become an important race, we didn’t have that king of race in France, it’s great that it has found its place.»
Marc Guillemot (Wellness Training/MG5, Multi 2000): “I’m delighted to be back at the DRHEAM-CUP, which is a very well organized race, a credit to its organizer Jacques Civilise, who has fought hard to put on this event. The gamble paid off, and in each class we can expect some great battles on a course that’s always interesting. All the ingredients are there to make this one a great edition. »
Pierre Bouhanna (Jambo, IRC crewed): “It’s exciting to take part in these races, which mix boats, amateurs and professionals, especially as it’s superbly organized, the organizing team is very friendly and efficient, and we’re very happy to be here! »
Vincent Delaroche (Merry Dancer, classic yacht): “Merry Dancer is a William Fife yacht built in Scotland in 1938 and based in Bénodet, which has taken all my holidays since I bought her 22 years ago. In her time, she was one of the best racing boats, really designed for offshore sailing, she has crossed the Atlantic several times. This DRHEAM-CUP was an opportunity to take my family on a 600 mile race, the aim is to enjoy it.»
Guy Delcroix (Georgia, IRC double-handed): “This is my fourth double-handed appearance on Georgia, and there are a lot of us in the double-handed IRC class, so it’s great fun. We’re very happy to be coming to Cherbourg, where we are always welcomed warmly. We needed a French Fastnet, and the DRHEAM-CUP fulfils that role very well! »
Will Harris (Red Ruby, IRC double-handed): “Jonathan McKee called me to ask if I’d be available to race in the DRHEAM-CUP, which is a great opportunity for me because I like sailing double-handed in IRC, especially with Jonathan who has a lot of experience, having already sailed the Volvo Ocean Race and the America’s Cup. I’m very happy to be here in Cherbourg, this DRHEAM-CUP is going to be a great competition between the French and the English in the double-handed IRC class. Before that, there’s the Euro Football final, and we’re going to be right behind England, hoping we’ll win on the pitch and then on the water! »