ABOUT FORMULA 18 CATS
Racing a Formula 18 is in some ways a philosophy. If these small racing catamarans, with a lot of canvas, have attracted fans around the four corners of Europe, it is not by chance. Firstly, because these boats offer excitement to those onboard. You need to have sailed along at almost twenty knots, with your bottom practically in the water, feeling that you are balancing on an edge, looking for that vital acceleration under spinnaker to understand why this class is so popular: relatively cheap boats, a great range of events throughout the season and sites offering remarkable sailing opportunities are just a few of the reasons behind this success.
Stars and unknowns
Formula 18 attracts both top-level amateur racers, those more used to ocean racing multihulls, who find here all the excitement and speed, without the stress of breakages, and then there is the former champion, who is trying his hand at the joys of competition, without most of the constraints. Thus, we can find Yves Loday, twice Olympic medallist, battling it out with Franck Cammas and Armel Tripon, a star of the Figaro circuit, racing against ambitious young guns, who want to find instant success. It is this rare alchemy, which means that on long weekends hundreds of competitors turn up around the coasts of Europe. Exciting fights out on the water, the joy and thrills and a guaranteed atmosphere on dry land are among the attractions for competitors and public alike.
A structured circuit
The ambition of the Raid Bleu Normandie is to complement an offer that is already well developed: with its deeply European character, the event is an occasion to offer new oportunities to those, who are used to racing in this series.
In Lower Nomandy, the Cotentin Trophy in early June and the " Mont Saint-Michel Bay Raid " are two musts during the season, while in Brittany, the " Raid Emeraude ", the " Cataglenn " and the " Catagolfe ", are the main events for the regulars.
The Raid Bleu Normandie is not attempting to compete with these events: its specific format, which is supported by the entrants (event reserved for Formula 18s, European crews selected by the organisers) means it has its own distinct place on the calendar
Links to other F18 events
Association F18 in France :
http://www.f18.fr
Le Trophée du Pays Cotentin :
http://www.mancheaventure.com
Le Raid du Mont Saint-Michel :
http://cvjullouville.free.fr
La Catagolfe :
http://www.catagolfe.com
La Costarmoricaine :
http://www.cvberquy.org
L'Archipélago Raid :
http://www.archipelagoraid.com
Le Round Texel Raid :
http://www.roundtexel.com
Le Raid des Corsaires :
http://lavoile.org/RaidNet/raid%20corsaire%20presentation.htm