Crédit Mutuel Class40 Finishes Race Off Lorient

The French sailing team Credit Mutuel has secured the overall victory in the second edition of the GLOBE40, crossing the finish line in Lorient on April 15, 2026. Skippers Ian Lipinski and Antoine Carpentier led the vessel to both a final leg victory and the championship title.

The team crossed the finish line at 08:40 local time (06:40 UTC) on April 15, 2026. This victory marked the fifth leg win for the Credit Mutuel crew during the competition.

Final Leg Performance and Logistics

The sixth and final leg of the race began in Recife on March 19, 2026. The winning crew completed the journey to Lorient in 16 days, 13 hours and 40 minutes, maintaining an average speed of 12.4 knots.

The final stage involved navigating the doldrums (pot-au-noir) and a lengthy detour around the Azores high-pressure system. The approach to the finish was influenced by a depression that allowed the leaders to reach record speeds, with both leading boats exceeding 20 knots during the final four days of the race.

Competition and Technical Challenges

Credit Mutuel faced intense competition from the Belgium Ocean Racing – Curium team, crewed by Jonas Gerckens and Benoit Hantzperg. The two teams entered the final leg in Recife tied on points, creating a direct showdown for the overall title.

The Belgian team remained a threat until 48 hours before the finish. However, a technical failure on the Belgian vessel involving the loss of the gennaker—the large front sail—allowed the French team to establish a more comfortable lead in the final effort.

Belgium Ocean Racing – Curium finished the event as the runner-up.

Race Duration and Team Effort

The second edition of the GLOBE40 was a global endurance event that began more than seven months prior, with the prologue departing Lorient on September 4, 2025. The race tested the limits of the Class40 vessels and their crews through a series of fiercely competitive legs.

The victory for Credit Mutuel was achieved with the support of Amélie Grassi and Alan Roberts. Reflecting on the achievement, Ian Lipinski noted that the level of competition required a significant amount of sporting and personal effort to secure the win.

• Overall Winner: Credit Mutuel (Ian Lipinski and Antoine Carpentier)
• Runner-up: Belgium Ocean Racing – Curium (Jonas Gerckens and Benoit Hantzperg)
• Total Leg Victories for Credit Mutuel: 5
• Final Leg Duration: 16 days, 13 hours, 40 minutes
• Average Speed: 12.4 knots