The Trophée Laura Vergne is an annual sailing competition established in 2023 by the Figaro Beneteau Class to honor the late Laura Vergne, a pivotal figure in offshore racing. As the Plaisance Director at La Concorde insurance, later Generali, and President of the Figaro Beneteau Class from 1994 to 2000, she played a crucial role in transitioning the circuit from amateur to professional status by promoting sponsorship in sailing. The inaugural race of the Figaro Beneteau Academy, named in her memory, takes place in La Trinité-sur-Mer, attracting sailors who aim to celebrate her legacy through their participation.

Spi Ouest-France is one of Europe's largest and most prestigious regattas, held annually in La Trinité-sur-Mer, France. This iconic event gathers sailors of all levels, from amateurs to professionals, across multiple classes of boats, including keelboats, multihulls, and dinghies. Known for its intense competition, vibrant atmosphere, and challenging racing conditions, Spi Ouest-France has become a highlight of the European sailing calendar, attracting hundreds of crews eager to showcase their skills on the water.

This is an eight-leg race around the Italian coast. Starting in Venice and finishing in Genoa, we are looking for four double-handed teams to make up the squad, with each team sailing a couple of legs. The exact date of each leg has not yet been released, but we are expecting each team to be involved for 8-9 days, including the yacht handover. There are no stipulations on age or gender, but sailors must be experienced offshore racers and competent to be offshore for 48 hours.

The Route:

Start: Cagliari (30 June / 02 July) Southern Sardinia

1st Stop: La Maddalena (04 July / 07 July) Northern Sardinia

Finish: Genoa (09 July / 13 July) North Western Mainland Italy

Le Défi Paprec is a recent addition to the renowned La Solitaire du Figaro Paprec sailing event. Introduced to provide emerging sailors with a platform to gain experience, this initiative allows amateur or up-and-coming sailors to participate in one complete stage of the race in a double-handed format. In its inaugural edition, eight duos started the Défi Paprec on August 25 in the Bay of Seine, 15 minutes after the solo competitors, following the same route as the 37 solo sailors on the first leg of the race.

This format offers participants valuable experience and insight into the challenges of the full, three-stage solo race, making it an appealing opportunity for international racers seeking to step into the world of professional offshore sailing.