Image copyright Route des Princes.
by Sabina Mollart-Rogerson
Valencia in Spain will be the start city for the Route des Princes, the new grand prix multihull race which follows a course around the west of Europe in June promoting regional food products. Valencia will host an initial programme of entertainment and gastronomic gourmet activities which are designed to attract the pubic to festivals which will combine the best on and from the water and from the land.
At the Marina Real Juan Carlos this morning the Route des Princes was officially launched to Spanish media, institutions and invited VIP’s. The race will start from Valencia on June 9th at the conclusion of a packed programme of leisure and gourmet activities which will run continuously from the day that the race village opens, June 5th. The launch reception today was attended by the organisers of the Route des Princes including the regional secretary for Culture and Sports of the Generalitat Valenciana, Rafael Ripoll, Cristóbal Grau the councilor of Sports City of Valencia and Jean-François Jacob, Secretary General of St Pol Sica, one of the leaders of Prince de Bretagne Also present was the Sports Director from OC Sport, Hervé Favre, the head of the event in Valencia, Nicolas Duloz and the Councillor for Agriculture and Fisheries of Benicarlo, Eduardo Arín.
La Route des Princes spans four offshore legs linking Valencia (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), Dun Laoghaire, Dublin (Ireland), Plymouth (UK) and the Bay of Morlaix (France) complemented by inshore short course races which should enthrall spectators. It will be the first time that the ocean going grand prix multihulls like the Multi50’s and the MOD70’s will have been seen racing lived in Spain.
From Wednesday June 5th to Sunday 9th, the Marina Real Juan Carlos will host a roster of fun, informative and entertaining events including a school program specially designed for youngsters that will combine several workshops with crews from the race boats. It will also highlight a culinary demonstration and workshop headed by chef Ricard Camarena a Michelin-star winner. Camarena today explained his support for the race and in addition to his displays visitors can enjoy many free leisure activities, some promoting local food products.
The race schedule includes a pair of short coastal races on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th, designed to be seen from the Malvarrosa beach. These should consist of two simple, short runs, located very near the shore which means they should be able to be easily followed by spectators.
Then on Sunday 9th the Route des Princes will start from Valencia to Lisbon (Portugal). After crossing the start line, the boats sail to Benicarlo, where there is a turning mark then heading to the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean gives way to the Atlantic.
Above and beyond the competition, the Route des Princes will showcase the best of local culture from the cities and areas which host the race. Through the numerous leisure activities, popular culture and cuisine, the five ports will each be an exciting free focal point where visitors can enjoy the exciting displays and experiences. It will be a true celebration of the regions for all thanks to the meeting of the best of sea and land.
The three race classes are MULTI 50 (15.24 meters long), MOD 70 (one design identical multihulls 21.20 meters in length) and Giants (unlimited Dimensions) which will all race through June through Mediterranean waters, Atlantic, Bay of Biscay, Irish Sea and English Channel. Along the way such renowned landmarks as the Strait of Gibraltar, Cape Finisterre, the legendary Fastnet Rock and the entrance to the English channel will be just some of the tests facing the race crews.
Quotes
Jean François Jacob, organizer of the Route des Princes:
"Thanks to Valencia for embracing our vision for the Route des Princes, for sharing our passion for multihull racing and the promotion of the different areas and their products. And Valencia is such a wonderful city which has taken to this race since the very beginning.”
Critóbal Grau, Councillor for Sports and management of the Marina Real Juan Carlos I:
"We appreciate the confidence placed in our city. This race has all the exciting sporting credentials connect with Valencia. The infrastructure provided by the Marina Real Juan Carlos means that we can all enjoy it. "
Rafael Ripoll, Regional Secretary for Culture and Sports:
"The department are committed to the promotion of Valencia, and to celebrate this kind of public-private partnerships, which also form part of decentralized cooperation. Valencia will embrace this occasion as always in this type of international events. "
Hervé Favre, OC Sports, sports director of the Route des Princes:
"La Route des Princes combines four offshore ocean legs various short coastal inshore races at the five cities. The giant trimaran Prince de Bretagne should set the reference mark time for the next editions of the Race ".
Nicholas Duloz, responsible for the event in Valencia:
"Valencia will offer a comprehensive entertainment program. We don’t want to give too much away and keep the surprise, but there will be no shortage of gastronomic activities, music, and an attractive school program. "
La Route des Princes
