Wind, hail, squalls and heavy seas: the Armen Race is under way

The Armen Race has kicked off the 2026 offshore season. Aina Bauza started aboard the Class40 162 Sycomores Power in an edition marked by much more intense conditions than the previous year.

The first hours towards the iconic Ar-Men lighthouse brought strong winds, waves, squalls and hail, with a long upwind leg that put the teams to the test.

The race committee confirmed the full 350-mile course: three days of sailing and two nights at sea. Every mile in a Class40 adds experience on the road to the Route du Rhum.