Le Défi Azimut (French for "The Azimut challenge") is a yacht race open only to the IMOCA 60 class. The yearly race, first held in 2011, contains typically three different competitions starting in Lorient, France.[1] The main event, a 48-hour offshore race in the Bay of Biscay is accompanied by the short Tour de Groix and a competition of speed runs over one nautical mile.[2]
Races
The competitions are held in solo or double-handed configurations alternating between the modes even and uneven years. In 2022 the competitions were also open for a crewed version, in preparation for the 2023 The Ocean Race. The Runs competition is always raced in a crewed configuration.[1]
Race directors is Hubert Lemonnier.[3] In 2023 onboard reporters were required in the races.[4]
Azimut race
Until 2018, the main event was a 24h race over approximately 200 to 250 nautical miles in length. Since 2019, the 48 hour race (approximately 500 to 550 nautical miles), takes the competitors onto the Bay of Biscay.[5][6]
Tour de Groix
The Tour de Groix is a small race rounding the island Groix a few kilometres off the coast of Lorient. Depending on weather conditions the race takes about two hours for the usually fully crewed boats.[7]
Runs competition
In the Runs competition the fully crewed boats compete in several rounds against each other on a one nautical mile long course.[7]
In 2014 the Défi Azimut added a race for Ultim class offshore trimarans.[32] Sébastien Josse won ahead of Sidney Gavignet, Yann Eliès and Loïck Peyron.[11]
The event returned in 2021 with three participants.[33] Armel Le Cléac'h won ahead of Thomas Coville and Yves Le Blevec.[34]
