“More challenging than ever”, was the skippers’ verdict on the sailing conditions after the 48-hour round course. Despite fluctuating conditions and a lull in the wind, Boris Herrmann managed to cross the finishing line in tenth place. After two podium finishes this season, this was an unexpected result for Herrmann and his team. The Défi Azimut was an important opportunity to test sail configurations and gain important insights for the Vendée Globe, he stated. The podium positions corresponded to those of the speed runs on the first day of the competition – Charlie Dalin, Sam Goodchild and Jérémie Beyou also performed impressively in the 48-hour race. Herrmann was able to shine again at the end of the Défi Azimut on Sunday, flying across the finishing line in third place in the traditional Tour de Groix, a circuit of the island.