The CIC Normandy Channel Race is officially underway!
Since yesterday, Mikael Mergui, accompanied by Benoît Hantzperg aboard the Hirsch Class40, has joined the fleet that set sail from Caen, already taking on the iconic stretch between France and the United Kingdom — a defining section of the race where proximity meets intensity.
Sailing across the English Channel is never just a transition. It’s a constant balancing act, where positioning, timing, and precision immediately come into play in one of the busiest maritime areas in the world.
Here, there is no warm-up. The race starts fast, and the rhythm is set from the first miles, between the Normandy coastline and the southern shores of England.
A crossing that connects people
This Franco-British dimension is not only central to the race — it perfectly echoes the reality of Hirsch.
Teams operate on both sides of the Channel, working together across borders, cultures, and markets, with the same level of coordination and agility required at sea.
A Hirsch challenge across the Channel
To bring this connection to life, Hirsch teams have taken part in their own internal challenge.
Colleagues from both sides of the Channel have engaged in a friendly competition, inspired by the race dynamic — a simple and engaging way to strengthen connections, boost team spirit, and create shared momentum across regions.
Fair winds to Mikael and Benoît as they carry the Hirsch colors across the Channel!
