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Mathieu Claveau and François Verdier of PHARE 40 surge ahead in the 2026 CIC Med Channel Race, crossing the second ranking gate in Bonifacio with a time of 07:02:51. This strategic move sets the stage for a fierce competition as they navigate the next leg of the race.
What follows puts the entire maritime battle into context. Claveau and Verdier have covered 225 nautical miles at an average speed of 7.14 knots since departing Marseille. They lead by 17 minutes over the Swiss entry STELLA NOVA and 28 minutes ahead of French Class40 No. 149, LES AILES DE CHARLOTTE.
Monday's tactics saw PHARE 40 excel as they sailed close to the Corsican coast, successfully maneuvering through light winds in the Strait of Bonifacio. With the next challenge looming, competitors must navigate a firing zone south of Sardinia, forcing them offshore.
By 8:30 a.m., five boats are expected to pass through the Strait, while tactical decisions will be critical as they head into a steady 15-knot southerly wind. The latest generation scows, including GLACES ROMANE, RDT LOGISTIC, and OCEAN CONNECT, are anticipated to thrive in these conditions, adding another layer of excitement to the race.
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