Heading to Lorient La Base from September 15th to September 20th 2026!
The 16th edition of the Défi Azimut returns to Lorient La Base for six intense days of excitement, speed, and nautical innovation. Save the dates: September 15–20, 2026 - an unmissable event for all lovers of the sea and offshore racing.
Highlights & Program Overview:
Monday, September 14: Arrival of the first IMOCAs at Lorient La Base, kicking off a promising week.
Tuesday, September 15: Official opening—welcome for partners, school visits, boat tours, briefings, and opening ceremony. Concurrently, the clusters co-organized by Pôle Mer Bretagne Atlantique, ID4Mobility, Compositic, and the EMC2 cluster in Lorient will host a day dedicated to materials and their strategic role in industrial and technological transitions. (on subscription)
Wednesday, September 16: crewed speed runs in the harbor, followed by the speed run awards ceremony, in partnership with 727 Sailbags, open to all
Thursday, September 17: start of the 48-hour solo race—accompanied by workshops in partnership with Bretagne Next and the technology park network
Friday, September 18: conferences and workshops bringing together key players in innovation and the industry (Audélor, Bretagne Next, UBS)
Saturday, September 19: finish of the 48-hour race, awards ceremonies, and crew parties
Sunday, September 20: Groix Island crew race and final awards ceremony and closing reception open to the public, in partnership with the Lorient Nautical Center
Whether you’re coming for the boats, professional networking, high-tech workshops, or simply for the atmosphere, the Défi Azimut 2026 promises an irresistible mix of entertainment, competition, and innovation. Stay tuned: the detailed program is coming soon.