The Med Max, a double-handed sailing race in the Mediterranean, kicked off this Sunday, September 29, off the coast of Port-Camargue in the Gard region. Twenty-five boats set sail, watched with emotion by the organizer, skipper Kito de Pavant, and by hundreds of curious onlookers who came to see the yachts at the docks.
On the docks, spectators are applauding until their hands hurt. « We’re 76 years old and we’ve had a boat since we were 25, » confides Jack. This Gard resident is with his wife Monique, and both have always been passionate about sailing. « I’m in awe. It’s a beautiful adventure that requires a lot of courage and passion. We’re glad there’s such a race starting from Port-Camargue. »
Departure at 1 PM off Port-Camargue
Some, like Michel, even decide to venture out to get as close as possible to the sailboats. « We’re going to accompany them at the start, but we’re not fast enough to keep up! We should have left a month earlier to arrive with them. »
This race is unprecedented in the Mediterranean, conceived by Hérault sailor Kito de Pavant. « These maritime adventures are very appealing to the public. The sailing culture is loved by everyone. There are just as many spectators and sailing enthusiasts in Brittany as in the Mediterranean. They’re discreet people; you don’t hear much from them, but they’re kind enough to come here to Port-Camargue.
Two Categories: Class 40 and Ocean Fifty
At the starting line, skipper Mikaël Mergui, originally from Hyères, is competing in the Class 40 (monohull) category. « I’m really proud to be here. As a Mediterranean sailor, we’ve been waiting for this race for a long time. It’s a change from the usual transatlantic races we do up north. The conditions have changed since yesterday, so the course has been slightly modified, but that’s the Mediterranean for you—it’s part of the game. There are a lot of people, the weather looks good. It’s great for people to see that we have an amazing sport that’s visually appealing, and I’m really happy. »
Laurent Bourguès was also at the starting line this Sunday, this time in the Ocean Fifty category, a large multihull. He is delighted that the crowd turned out for this first major race in the Mediterranean. « Everyone is very interested in seeing the boats. For us, it’s fantastic that the public enjoys seeing our machines, and it brings smiles to everyone’s faces. Kito de Pavant, who is used to the Vendée Globe, the Jacques Vabre transatlantic race, and the Route du Rhum, created this race in that same format. It has the feel of a major race. For a first edition, it’s a tremendous effort, and a big congratulations because it’s not easy. He truly has the vision to transform the Med Max into a premier race in the Mediterranean. »
The skippers will cross the Mediterranean, passing by Corsica, Sardinia, and the Balearic Islands. The expected arrival in Saïdia, Morocco, is on October 4, 2024. You could also catch glimpses of the boats from Carnon Beach.
Source :francebleu
