The Event

Founded in 1978, the Spi Ouest-France (officially the Spi Ouest-France Banque Populaire Grand Ouest) is the largest regatta in France. Held annually over the Easter long weekend in La Trinité-sur-Mer, it marks the traditional "season opener" for the French racing elite.

In 2026, the stakes are high as the Figaro Beneteau 3 fleet prepares to battle in the treacherous, beautiful waters of Quiberon Bay. With over 400 boats expected to fill the harbor, the atmosphere in the race village is electric. For the locals in Brittany, the event is a rite of passage; for the competitors, it is the first true test of their winter training programs.

Sailing

For the 2026 Spi Ouest, I will be sailing with Team DigLab, led by my friend Joss Creswell on his Figaro 3. Joss, hailing from the United Kingdom, has designed his 2026 season to build toward the mammoth La Solitaire du Figaro later this year.

Sponsored by DigiLab, Joss’s Figaro is one to watch, he has already completed the Solo Guy Cotten and is lining up for the Trophée Laura Vergne just before the Spi Ouest. Im fortunate enough to have sailed with Joss before and I look forward to more at the Spi Ouest! We will be joined by two other sailors to round out the crew on the fully equipped DigiLab Figaro.

I’ll be soaking up as much information as possible, as this is my first Figaro regatta of 2026 and the official kickstart to my racing season. For any sailor participating in 2026, the goal is simple: survive the tides, master the foils, and enjoy the unparalleled energy of the French sailing capital.

Let’s go Spi Ouest!