The third edition of the Drheam-Cup will start on 19 July

On 10 June, after discussions with the competent authorities and the approval of the French Sailing Federation, the coast is clear for obtaining the Préfecture's authorisation and launching the first major multi-class race of the season on Sunday 19 July. There will be three courses between Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and La Trinité-sur-Mer, open to the Ultime, Imoca, Multi50, Class40, Multi 2000, Large Monohull Open, IRC, Classic Yacht and Figaro Beneteau classes. Entries are open until 30 June.

Following several weeks of uncertainty due to the Covid-19 pandemic that has affected France and the world, the French Sailing Federation, after discussions on 5 June with all the competent authorities, gave its "sporting green light" for the Drheam-Cup on Wednesday 10 June 2020 to Jacques Civilise, the organiser, as well as the Cherbourg-en-Cotentin town hall. All that remains is to obtain the formal authorisation from the maritime and regional Préfectures. This authorisation will obviously mean re-organisation of the event, that will be limited to the race this year and for the first time will not include popular land-based festivities that are traditionally held during major races in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.

The announcement was welcomed by Jacques Civilise, who has been working hard since mid-march to ensure that the third edition can be held in compliance with the government's healthcare guidelines: “I would like to thank the French Sailing Federation that has worked hard to ensure that some sailing competitions can be held in July. I also wish to thank our partners, first and foremost the cities of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, which was extremely active in “saving” the race, and La Trinité-sur-Mer, which has offered constant support throughout this difficult time.”

The start of the third edition of the Drheam-Cup, organised jointly by the Yacht Club de France, the organising sporting authority, the UNCL, the Yacht-Club de Cherbourg and the Society Nautique de La Trinité-sur-Mer, will now take place on 19 July (see programme below). Remaining loyal to its Open ethos, the three courses (for crews, two-handed and solo sailors) between Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and La Trinité-sur-Mer will be open to all: the Drheam-Cup 1100, for Ultime trimarans only, the Drheam-Cup 700 (Multi50, Imoca, Class40, Multi 2000, Large Open monohulls) and the Drheam-Cup 400 (Figaro Beneteau, the race is a qualifier for the Solitaire du Figaro 2020, IRC, Classic Yachts). 

To enable all crews and sailors to re-organise themselves, the deadline for entries has been extended to 30 June. "This Drheam-Cup will be the first major multi-class race on our coast this season and should lead to some great racing action, in light of the vary diverse range of boats and sailor profiles expected", explains Jacques Civilise.

Because of the exceptional circumstances caused by the pandemic, the organisers and partners have taken specific measures to limit contact between people to the absolute minimum for this third edition: the Drheam Trophy and the Rêves de Large operation will not be held, the programme in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin has been reduced, there will be no race village or events on land and the prizegiving ceremony will be held in December, in Paris. “Of course, we have had to make changes and do without a race village, but the “Drheam” spirit, our race's DNA, based on the “HR” in “Human Resources” will remain and we will do all we can to welcome participants, professionals and amateurs, in the best way possible", promises Jacques Civilise. See you on 16 July on the pontoons in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin.

What they say:

Benoit Arrivé, mayor of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin: “the Drheam-Cup will not be organised as planned in the current situation, it was impossible to maintain the village and events. However, as far as the sailing is concerned, it will be the first major multi-class offshore Race since the lockdown, open to professionals and amateurs. For the Ultime class, the giant multihulls, the Drheam-Cup will in fact be the only race this season. For the Figaro Beneteau, the race will be a qualifier for the 2020 Solitaire du Figaro. Cherbourg-en-Cotentin has fought for this race to take place and to show that it is and remains one of the major French sailing and offshore sailing centres, especially during these difficult times. The Drheam-Cup is an opportunity for us to prove that the town, the Cotentin area and the Manche département are among the most beautiful sailing spots in France. The start at Le Becquet, the course at the foot of the cliffs and between the Channel Islands will showcase it.”

Yves Le Blevec, Deputy Mayor for sailing and tourism in La Trinité-sur-Mer: “We are delighted to be able to organise a race during the second week of July and it is only possible because the health situation is improving. It is so improved that we are working with the Society Nautique de La Trinité on a rally race between La Trinité and Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, to replace La Trinité-Cowes, offering participants an opportunity to race to the start of the Drheam-Cup. In La Trinité-sur-Mer, passionate sailors are increasingly frustrated as no races have taken place this year, many IRC boats are currently preparing themselves, everyone wants to get out and race. The Drheam-Cup welcome will obviously be smaller as we must remain careful and follow the health guidelines, but we will strive to organise a small event on the quayside to promote local businesses.”

The programme:

Thursday 16 July: Arrival of boats in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin
Friday 17 and Saturday 18 July: Technical and safety checks
Sunday 19 July: Drheam-Cup start
From Tuesday 21 July: arrival of boats in La Trinité-sur-Mer