Dream Sail – Cherbourg-en-Cotentin to Lorient

The 2026 edition of the DRHEAM-CUP/GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE (9–18 July) will connect two iconic ports in the French sailing world: Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, which has been faithful to the race since 2018, and Lorient, hosting the finish for the first time. Enough to offer dream conditions for the tenth anniversary of the race.

After a first edition that started in La Trinité-sur-Mer and ended in Roscoff, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin was the arrival port for the DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE in 2018 and then start port in the following editions. A carefully thought-out choice when you know the special connection between the Cotentin peninsula city and the founder of the race, Jacques Civilise. “Cherbourg-en-Cotentin is a very charming town, with which I have a long-standing connection: I learnt to swim at Napoléon Beach learned to sail at the Cherbourg Sailing club when I was 16.”

Jacques Civilise adds: “I would like to warmly thank the city for its loyalty. Ever since 2018, we have been welcomed with unwavering enthusiasm, and I am delighted to continue writing the history of the DRHEAM-CUP/GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE alongside its elected representatives and residents, as well as all those who help to ensure the wonderful welcome extended to competitors at every edition.”

Sharing and celebration, two of the three pillars of the race, are indeed present every two years in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, with many activities for the public, as is the third pillar, competition. “The Cherbourg Yacht Club has twice been voted France’s best club for cruiser racing”, recalls Jacques Civilise. “There is a real regatta and offshore racing culture in the port, as shown by the successes of Alexis Loison, Louis Duc, Maxime Mesnil and others who learnt there. There is also an international culture, with many interactions with British sailors and organisers.”

This culture also obviously exists in Lorient, which will welcome the finish of the DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE for the first time. Having served as the starting or finishing port for numerous offshore races for decades, the city has also been home for almost thirty years to a centre dedicated to offshore racing, La Base, which is unrivalled anywhere in the world. So much so that many competitors who will take the start of the sixth edition on 12 July will be “home” when they cross the finish line.

“With Lorient, a new page is being turned and I am extremely happy”, explains the organiser. “As soon as we got in touch, we felt very welcome, particularly by the teams at La Base and Kernevel ports, where the boats will be berthed; by the Centre Nautique de Lorient, which will provide support at the finish line, as well as by Lorient Agglomération, who immediately understood the importance of the race. Since then, the enthusiasm for the DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE has been growing day by day, and there is a strong sense of commitment to making this tenth anniversary a resounding success.” Jacques Civilise concludes: “What could be better than celebrating these past ten years in two stunning locations, Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, home to the largest outer harbour in Europe and aspiring to become a major offshore racing centre, and Lorient, which is the largest in Europe, and worldwide!”

The elected councillors have their say:

Camille Margueritte, mayor of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin:

“For its sixth edition, the DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE will depart from our city, celebrating its tenth anniversary in style. Over time, this event has established itself as an incontrovertible popular event. In organising the race village, the City offers the tens of thousands of visitors a special moment of sharing and friendship, supported by the values of sport and sailing which are central to our region’s identity.
Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, a city that looks to the sea, fosters a strong, historical and living attachment to hosting international competitions. The DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE illustrates this remarkably, contributing to the success of our exceptional harbour infrastructure and the attractiveness of our city.
I am delighted with this renewed, loyal and ambitious collaboration, as well as the new partnership with Lorient, a sailing hotspot, which will welcome the finish of this great maritime adventure for the first time.”

Fabrice Loher, president of Lorient Agglomération and mayor of Lorient:

“Hosting the finish of the DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE 2026 in Lorient La Base is a great honour for Lorient Agglomération, Brittany’s main maritime region.” By connecting Cherbourg-en-Cotentin with Lorient, this race represents a strategic link between two harbours in western France that share the same purpose: serving the sea, the blue economy and national sovereignty.
With the French navy celebrating its 400th anniversary, this race takes on a special dimension. It illustrates the connection between our naval heritage and modern challenges: national defence, the energy transition and maritime innovation. In Lorient, the six-port city, boat building, civilian and military naval repairs, fishing and sailing all co-exist.
The DRHEAM-CUP / GRAND PRIX DE FRANCE DE COURSE AU LARGE will reinforce the momentum of our world-renowned offshore racing centre and our region, making the sea a place of excellence, cooperation and strength. It reminds us that the future of France is also at sea and our coastal regions are its pillars.”