This is a first! From 8 to 15 August 2021, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin will be the new arrival city for the world's largest offshore race, the Rolex Fastnet Race 2021. With its 350 boats and 3000 sailors, the city intends to orchestrate a legendary arrival!

Cherbourg has the wind in its sails

The announcement the choice of Cherbourg's in November 2019 had been a surge in the sailing world, but the organisers who had been cramped in Plymouth harbour, will have wider berth in Cherbourg. An excellent nautical news for the beautiful Norman city that has already hosted the Solitaire du Figaro, the Tour de France à La Voile or the Drheam Cup. To involve the local population, a giant sign was installed on the swing bridge to count down the days until Cherbourg hosts the Rolex Fastnet Race. The 49th edition which will take place from 8 to 15 August 2021 awaits the first boats in Cherbourg from 9 August 2021.

The Rolex Fastnet Race, a mythical race

The departure will take place on August 8 from Cowes (Isle Of Wight) in the south of England, towards the Fastnet Rock in the south of Ireland and then heading to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. Renowned all over the world, the Rolex Fastnet brings together a very large number of boats: Ultims, IMOCA 60, Class 40 but also an armada of monohulls grouped within the IRC category. A fleet led by international crews composed of renowned professionals, skilled amateur sailors, but also family crews formed of enthusiasts for whom the Rolex Fastnet is the culmination of a life as a sailor.

A great ocean festival

Benoît Arrivé, Mayor of Cherbourg, welcomes this news: "our different bodies of water and our experience will allow us to moor the approximately 350 boats, with the help of the naval base and by deploying some additional floating pontoons. "Boats will be everywhere and that's part of the interest of hosting this race, to make allow the greatest number to experience the event", concludes the elected official. 
Cherbourg and Le Cotentin are therefore making their way into the club of territories linked to a mythical offshore race. The adventure of a great race, an impressive fleet in the Port of Chantereyne, sailors in the city and appealing activities will make this event a popular success of offshore racing.

  © Ian Kirk / Wikimedia Commons

Smartappart, the housing solution in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

For your travels in the Cotentin, the Smartappart residence is an economical alternative to hotels. Its furnished apartments can be enjoyed alone or with friends, for a business trip or family getaway. Strict measures, taken to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, ensure the safety of guests.

 
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