Breizh Ocean Race 2025: Preparing for the 2026 European Championships in Brittany

The 2025 edition of the Breizh Ocean Race, scheduled for April 19-20 in Ploudalmézeau, France, serves as a high-stakes rehearsal for the 2026 European Championships. Co-organized by the Estran Ploudalmézeau and CKCB Brest clubs, the event highlights the challenging conditions of the northern Finistère coastline, where the English Channel meets the Atlantic. Stéphane Roudaut, president of Estran Ploudalmézeau, emphasizes the technical nature of the course, which features strong currents, rocky shelves, and consistent winds. This year's competition has expanded to include a significant outrigger canoe (OC1, OC2, and V6) presence alongside traditional surfski categories. Elite paddlers such as Germany’s Gordan Harbrecht and the UK's Rosie Edwards are expected to compete against top French talent like Valentin Henot and Thaïs Delrieux. The event also offers flexible course adjustments to utilize local 'abers' (sea inlets) as sheltered alternatives if offshore conditions become too extreme.

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