On 5 May 2019, Lorient La Base will be the centre of attention as 40 years after the first edition, won by Eugene Riguidel and Gilles Gahinet, the Lorient-Bermuda-Lorient race is set to make a phoenix-like comeback.

The event - a transatlantic return journey between Lorient and Bermuda - became legendary from its first edition in 1979 when the Gahinet-Riguidel duo pipped Tabarly and Pajot to the post with just 5 minutes and 42 seconds to spare. An incredible scene which immediately inscribed the Lorient-Bermuda-Lorient among the ranks of the world's most famous sailing races.

In 2019, the teams involved will be looking to continue the glorious story built by great sailors such as Kersauson, Arthaud and Poupon – some of the first racers to take on the Lorient-Bermuda-Lorient adventure.

Lorient Agglomération has decided to make the most of the 40th anniversary by presenting a fourth edition, bringing together the cream of international skippers. The race is open to the Ultim 32/23 class and IMOCAs are also invited to participate. The Lorient-Bermuda-Lorient will be raced using reduced crews and the boats will complete an incredible course covering 5,780 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. This unique showdown will be the last appointment for the Ultim trimarans before their world tour.

The public will be able to join in the celebrations as early as 26 April 2019 at the ultra-modern facilities of La Base in Lorient, which will play host to the race village dedicated to the crews and the exceptional history of the Lorient-Bermuda-Lorient race.