The Hastings Regattas

In the footsteps of William the Conqueror

This sailing event follows in the footsteps of William the Conqueror. Young people from Normandy symbolically retrace the route taken by La Mora and her fleet as they set sail for England.

Following the La Mora Challenge held in the Bay of the Seine, secondary school pupils and university students from Normandy take part in a regatta linking the two shores of the English Channel and meet young English crews. This sporting and cultural adventure highlights the historical ties between Normandy and England through the sport of sailing.

Preliminary programme:
– Tuesday 11 May: welcome for the crews, allocation of one-design boats, preparation of equipment, set-up and festive opening evening. Accommodation in town centre sports halls or aboard live-aboard sailing boats.

– Wednesday 12 May: The La Mora Trophy, organised by the UNSS in partnership with one or more sailing clubs. Race in the Bay of Seine, return to Deauville or Honfleur, prize-giving ceremony, allocation of crews to live-aboard yachts, then departure of the fleet for Cowes in the evening.

– Thursday 13 May: arrival in Cowes in the early afternoon, sightseeing, entertainment and a social evening organised with local partners.

– Friday 14 May: Guillaume le Conquérant Challenge, a friendly regatta bringing together young French crews and, if possible, English crews. Prize-giving ceremony, time for participants to socialise, followed by the flotilla’s departure for Honfleur in the evening.

– Saturday 15 May: arrival in Honfleur in the late morning or early afternoon, depending on weather conditions, followed by some downtime.

– Sunday 16 May: a visit to the Village de la Mer and the young crews taking part in the blessing at sea as part of the Fête des Marins.

Through this crossing, the event combines sporting activity, maritime discovery, international encounters and the celebration of the shared heritage between Normandy and England.

Practical information:
Young people: aged 15–25
Free
Contact
France–United Kingdom cooperation
Partnerships: English sailing clubs, UNSS Normandy, Normandy sailing clubs