DIEPPE, FRANCE — What is looked upon as one of the most prestigious and high-profile sailing events in Europe begins today just off this city on the English Channel. For the next four weeks, a fleet of 35 Mumm 30s will circumnavigate France, engaging in coastal and short-course racing as they work their way through the Channel, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean to end up in Imperia, Italy.
Since the first event in 1978, more than 20,000 people have sailed at least two legs of this series. The event now serves as the basis for the French International Offshore Championship. Tour Voile organizers boast an increasing number of foreign teams each year (10 in 1999), but only eight are registered for the current edition. Despite the abundance of world-class competitors regularly in attendance, the event also offers specific divisions for amateurs and students. With 30 independent races comprising the event (13 as offshore legs and 17 as short courses), the competitors will make stopovers in 16 different towns. For additional information, log on to the event's web site at www.tourvoile.fr.