CIC Normandy Channel Race 2026

The CIC Normandy Channel Race is one of the nautical highlights of the year. Starting from Caen, in the Calvados region, on Sunday 31 May 2026, skippers will embark on a spectacular 1000 mile race in their Class 40s to England and Ireland.

CIC Normandy Channel Race: a challenging course

The route begins at Ouistreham. From Caen, the sailors will take the Canal de l’Orne towards the stormy waters of the English Channel. Before reaching the Isle of Wight in the UK, the skippers will make a detour via the Iles Saint-Marcouf, opposite the Manche coast, the Utah Beach sector of the Allied D-Day Landings in 1944. They will then sail around Tuskar Rock and Fastnet Rock to the south of Ireland, marking the return to Normandy and the home port of Caen. The final leg will be a sporting one, with a passage through Guernsey and then into the currents of the Raz-Blanchard, one of the strongest in Europe, off the Goury lighthouse.

Caen-la-Mer: a top sailing destination

Caen’s marina is right bang located in the city centre. The restaurants, terraces and cultural activities around the Bassin Saint-Pierre make this a popular area of Caen. With 92 berths, the marina offers all the services you need to make your stopover as easy as possible (water, electricity, laundry, etc.).

Caen is one of the must-see cities in Normandy. Don’t miss the castle, the medieval streets of the Vaugueux district and the famous Memorial Museum. The SNCF train station is just a 10 minute walk from the city centre and provides easy access to other destinations in Normandy. Visit the Caen-la-Mer Tourist Office to plan your stay.

The Canal de l’Orne links Caen and Ouistreham. Normans and tourists alike come here to try their hand at sailing, canoeing, kayaking or rowing. It’s also a great way to discover local history, with the Château de Bénouville and the Pegasus and its emblematic bridge.