A vintage 2006 to set the tone
Following 9th December's announcement on the creation of the Multi Cup 60', ORMA was keen to put together an innovative calendar. The firmly European nature of the circuit is symbolic of the desire to open up the class internationally, starting with a spectacular and highly original rendezvous on the banks of the Thames! And it is a programme that also meets the sporting concerns of the skippers, who wish to be able to combine crewed events with solo training with a view towards the next Route du Rhum.
A major oceanic meeting
On 8 May therefore, the competitors will set out on the season's Multi Cup ocean race on an unusual course: London – Alpes Maritimes.
The boats are expected at the finish between 15 and 19 May. Present on the circuit in 2005, Alpes Maritimes Conseil Général (County Council) is renewing its commitment alongside ORMA by accommodating the finish of this event in a town to be finalised at a later date.
The coastal events
There will be 5 such events this season. Alpes Maritimes Conseil Général is also becoming the partner of the first coastal event of the season, the Alpes Maritimes Trophy, to be contested in the form of two coastal events on 20 and 21 May. For the remainder of the programme, the class will benefit from the support of historic partners such as Marseilles and Port de Fécamp, which have been playing host to the multihulls for 5 and 12 years respectively, together with some totally new destinations which will see the crews explore the waters of Trapani in Sicily and Portimao in Portugal.
The calendar
1. London – Alpes Maritimes: start 8 May
2. Alpes Maritimes Trophy from 20 to 21 May
3. Italy Grand Prix - Trapani, from 1 to 4 June
4. Grand Prix de Marseille, from 22 to 25 June
5. Portugal Grand Prix - Portimao, from 13 to 16 July
6. Grand Prix du Port de Fécamp, from 7 to 10 September
Gilles Cambournac also took advantage of the presentation to thank Mr. Benjamin de Rothschild, the owner of the Gitana trimarans who has instigated this transformation.
Key features of the Multi Cup 60'…
- A circuit spread over 4 years so as to offer a secure future to the professional teams and their owners
- An international circuit, initially through the competition venues and eventually via the new format
- An exclusively crewed circuit
- A competition aimed at the general public with changes to the way the events are organised.
- A circuit that is compatible with and complementary to the top single and double-handed ocean meetings (Transat Jacques Vabre, Route du Rhum, etc.).
- Boats entered in the Multi Cup 60' have to take part in all 6 events on the programme.
- At the end of the season, the title of Multi Cup Champion will be awarded.
The organisation and the new Multi Cup partner will be presented to you at a special press conference during March 2006. The full presentation can be found at www.multicup.net