Pierre Leboucher (Penfret, Class40): “This DRHEAM-CUP is going to be very interesting, almost all the Class40s are there, there is wind, it will be great to fell the salty spray during the heatwave! It is great to be with the IRC and Ocean Fifty classes, the pontoons are full and busy, we are taking it in.”

Damien Seguin (Arkea Handicap International, Multi 2000): “It is great to see everyone here, there aren’t that many multi-class races in France where there is such a mix between professionals and amateurs, crews, solo and double-handed sailors and multi and mono hulls. On a multihull, things can quickly get hairy, but that is also what I have come to experience a few months before the start of the Route du Rhum, I need to test the boat on a long course.”

Laurent Bourgues (Devenez le partenaire du cheval blanc, Ocean Fifty): “We have just decided on the name of the boat, as it a spirited horse, white because it is waiting for its main sponsor and colours, and in reference to a lovely song by Brassens that perfectly fits the project. We are very proud of the class to have eleven boats at the start of this DRHEAM-CUP, we are excited to see the battle unfold in these conditions, which should be demanding, but I am not unhappy, my boat is a good all-rounder.”

Charlie Capelle (A Capella Proludic-La Chaîne de l’Espoir, Multi 2000): “I am fortunate to have competed in all editions of the DRHEAM-CUP, that I have won several times. This year, I am racing double-handed with Pierre Antoine, to test all the major jobs done in preparation of the Route du Rhum, which will be my seventh, the boat’s eighth and in which I will be the oldest participant. I am delighted to be in Cherbourg under the sun and to race against the others.”

Achille Nebout (Amarris, Class40): “We are expecting varied conditions, with strong wind in the first part of the race, downwind at the start, reaching from the Isles of Scilly to the Fastnet and downwind again to the DRHEAM-CUP waypoint. Then things will get more complicated, with thunderstorms on the way. It is quite unusual to have such conditions in July, the DRHEAM-CUP is an opportunity to learn in conditions that we don’t often experience in training, and even less when sailing solo. I am hoping for a smooth race, good manoeuvres and the correct choice of routes.”

Rémy Gérin (Faiaohae, IRC crewed): “We are going to enjoy ourselves with friends and family. It is my third participation in the DRHEAM-CUP with my son Oscar, who is the skipper on this race. There is a great fleet, the starting conditions are perfect for the boat, all the ingredients for a good time!”

Benoît Sineau (Ekinox, Class40): “I am aiming for a tame DRHEAM-CUP as I broke my foot not long ago! We are going to try to race cleanly, it is going to be demanding in the first 30 hours, with a lot of wind. The course is great, with two very different stages, wind and calm, and that means a good game. I really wasn’t expecting such a fleet, with as many boats as in the Route du Rhum, it is a great event, well done to the organisers!”

Amaury de Jamblinne de Meux (Tagaroa, Vintage Mono): “I am very happy to go, we have great conditions, the first hours downwind are going to be pleasant, it is going to be fun. The aim is to qualify for the Route du Rhum, confirm the last adjustments and enjoy ourselves on a great course, in a very friendly class with many different monohulls.”