Since this summer, the watch brand Alpina has become the official timekeeper of theArkea Ultim Challenge – BrestThis nautical competition will begin on 7 Janvier 2024 at 13:30 p.m. from the port of Brest, for an exceptional maritime event.
Six daring navigators, including Eric Peron, representing the watch brand Alpina, will embark on this nautical competition for a period of 40 to 50 days. On their trimarans, they will have to sail solo across the seas and oceans, and beyond three mythical capes. During this water race Racing against the clock across the world, each skipper will have a major challenge to overcome: time management.
The Arkéa Ultim Challenge – Brest
This sailing race will make the ultimates legendary!
The ultimates are giant trimarans which fly above the water thanks to their foils (asymmetrical wing profiles with functions equivalent to an airplane wing). They are the fastest boats in the world, capable of exceeding 50 knots of speed, or more than 90 km/h. They are also the rarest boats, because they are expensive and require a lot of skill.
The route will be the same as that of the Vendée Globe, or approximately 40 kilometers across the three great oceans. Sailors will have to face the most extreme conditions, such as storms, icebergs, giant waves, and even solitude. They will also have to master their boats, which are very complex and demanding, and which can reach dizzying speeds.
The race is scheduled to finish between late February and early March 2024, still in Brest. The reference times will undoubtedly be impressive, as the finalists could circumnavigate the globe in less than 40 days, beating the current record of François Gabart, who completed the course in 42 days, 16 hours, 40 minutes and 35 seconds in 2017, on a 30-meter monohull.
THEArkéa Ultim Challenge Brest is therefore a trimaran competition that will thrill sailing enthusiasts and the general public, who will be able to follow the sailors' exploits live on social networks and dedicated sites. It is also a nautical race that will advance research and innovation in the field of navigation, by testing the most advanced technologies. In addition, this sporting event highlights the maritime and cultural heritage of Brittany, a land of sailing par excellence.
Éric Péron: Navigator and Alpina ambassador
Eric Peron, an experienced navigator, represents Alpina in this competition. Competing in numerous races, both crewed and solo, his expertise and love of extreme challenges make him a formidable competitor. His role requires great mental strength, drawing on his experience and reliable equipment, including an Alpina watch designed to withstand the most extreme conditions.
The Virtual Race: An Immersive Experience
The watch brand Alpina, which has been selected to be the official timekeeper, is also involved in the virtual race organized by Virtual regattaThis initiative allows sailing enthusiasts to join the event via an app and a website. Spectator participants can thus experience an odyssey parallel to that of the skippers, managing their own boat. LastTo spice up the experience, Alpina will reward the fastest virtual sailors with watches from the collection. Alpina Seastrong Diver Extreme Automatic Arkea, a limited series. Three watches will also be awarded to the first sailors to reach the Capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin and Cape Horn.
Alpina watches, high-performance equipment
The 41 mm steel case of the Alpina watches is designed specifically for this race, it has the robustness needed to face the elements. Available in two versions, one with a steel bracelet and the other in rubber, these watches are ready for the most extreme situations. Featuring exceptional water resistance and optimal visibility in low-light conditions, these watches are not only time-measuring instruments, but true allies in managing maritime challenges. Their precision and durability are the result of cutting-edge technologies, reflecting Alpina's commitment to watchmaking excellence. For Éric Péron and the other skippers, these watches are essential for synchronizing their strategies with the day-night cycles and changing weather conditions, proving indispensable in their quest for victory.
Alpina: Official Timekeeper of the Arkea Ultim Challenge – Brest
For 140 years, Alpina has been a pioneer in the world of sports watches. Its participation as the official timekeeper of this race is part of a long tradition of innovation and partnership with daring explorers.
The partnership with the Arkea Ultim Challenge – Brest marks a key moment for Alpina, underscoring its commitment to extreme sports. This sporting partnership, formalized on June 21, 200 days before the start, reaffirms Alpina's expertise as a timekeeper in extreme conditions. This unique race highlights the innovation and technology of the Ultim 32/23.
A human and technological challenge
The Arkea Ultim Challenge – Brest is not just a nautical race; it's an extreme human and technological challenge. Alpina supports this feat and shares its values of determination and rigor. This solo marine race symbolizes the perfect fusion of human performance and cutting-edge technology.
In fact, the complexity of this challenge lies in the combination of unpredictable natural elements and advanced technology of trimaransThese boats, packed with technology, are optimized for speed and durability in extreme conditions. Each skipper must therefore demonstrate exceptional technical mastery, while managing the psychological and physical aspects of solitude on the high seas.
Preparing for the challenge
Indeed, the skippers are actively preparing for this historic race. They have begun intensive sailing sessions, involving adjustments and technical tests, all focused on their ultimate goal: the Arkea Ultim Challenge – Brest. This preparation phase is crucial, as it allows the skippers to familiarize themselves with the intricacies of their giant trimarans and refine their strategies.
Additionally, at-sea simulations help anticipate extreme weather conditions and test the endurance of equipment, including Alpina watches, essential for timekeeping and navigation. In addition, skippers participate in coaching and fitness training sessions to ensure they are ready to face the rigors of the race. This meticulous preparation is a testament to the sailors' commitment and passion for this extraordinary challenge.
The Arkea Ultim Challenge – Brest is more than a race; it's a celebration of the spirit of adventure, precision, and innovation. A solo trimaran competition across the world's oceans and in the virtual world, it promises to be a memorable adventure for all participants and spectators. It's a historic and unique challenge that will reveal to the world the power and beauty of ultimates; these boats that defy the laws of physics and nature; an event that will be remembered and will inspire future generations.
Patrick Koune
