A New Dock to Welcome the Boats of the « Course des Caps » Race, Under Construction in Boulogne-sur-Mer

The Boulogne-sur-Mer Agglomeration Community is constructing a new dock along the Quai des Paquebots. This dock will accommodate large ships over 25 meters long or tall ships and will host the twenty IMOCA boats of the first edition of the « Course des Caps » on June 23, 2025.

This platform has been attracting attention in the Boulogne-sur-Mer harbor for a few weeks now. It’s hard to miss. Arriving from Calais by sea in late January, its mission is to « plant » 17 piles at the entrance of the Boulogne-sur-Mer harbor channel. These are steel piles, 22 meters long and one meter in diameter.

On this floating platform, a specialized crane: « This is a particular and uncommon operation, » explains François Dherville, director of port activities at Spie Batignolles. « We use a large hammer, which, by striking, drives the piles into the ground. At the same time, a protective device emits bubbles that reduce the noise for animals, seals, seabirds… and for the locals as well. »

Seventeen piles, including two dedicated to the pedestrian bridges for visitors, will be needed for this 336-meter-long multi-use dock, which is positioned 25 meters away from the edge of the quay. The work, which started in January 2025, is progressing according to a strict timeline to ensure that the dock will be operational by May. Designed to provide optimal conditions for hosting, this installation will be able to accommodate up to 1,500 spectators eager to discover the IMOCA boats, the giants of the sea, thanks to a circulation space that guarantees their safety.

Frédéric Cuvillier, Mayor of Boulogne-sur-Mer and President of the Boulogne-sur-Mer Agglomeration Community, emphasizes: « In a port, when docks are created, it’s a good sign. It means there is vitality! » The « Course des Caps » will inaugurate this facility in Boulogne-sur-Mer, marking a significant step in the modernization of the port and its nautical equipment. It is an investment long-awaited.

« This race around the British Isles will bring together the Formula 1 of the sea, those we have seen in the Vendée Globe, » says Frédéric Cuvillier with enthusiasm. « It will start in Boulogne-sur-Mer on June 23, 2025, and end in Boulogne-sur-Mer on July 6. A race that will take place every two years, alternating with the Sea Festival, showcasing the maritime and port realities of the Opal Coast. »

After the piles, the installation of the floating walkway will follow. The total investment of 1.5 million euros by the Boulogne-sur-Mer Agglomeration Community will allow Boulogne-sur-Mer to confirm its place in the world of offshore racing.

Source: francetvinfo