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Guillaume Pirouelle and Jules Ducelier clinch victory in the 2026 CIC Normandy Channel Race, finishing at 4:20 PM in Ouistreham. This triumph marks only the second time in 17 years that the trophy returns to Normandy, following Fabien Delahaye and Pierre Leboucher's win in 2024.
They completed an astonishing 816 nautical miles in just 3 days, 2 hours, and 20 minutes, averaging an impressive 11 knots. The competition remained fierce until the end, with the duo seizing the lead between Wolfrock lighthouse and Portsall mark and maintaining it all the way to the finish line.
The race showcased breathtaking views across the English Channel, from Normandy's D-Day beaches to the cliffs of Pays de Caux. At just 32, Pirouelle enhances his already stellar resume, which includes victories in the Tour Voile and the Jules Verne Trophy. Ducelier, 29, also enjoyed a successful debut in the race, building on his prior achievements in offshore sailing.
The 2026 fleet, while smaller at 22 crews, proved more competitive, with only four retirements noted. The podium finish was decided in the final minutes amid a powerful squall, highlighting the intense nature of this year's edition.
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