25 signed up for Solidaire du Chocolat

Giovanni Soldini and Anne Liardet to be on the start line for this autumn's Class 40 solo transatlantic race

Following the launch of the Solidaire du Chocolat in December, 25 skippers from eight countries have already registered to take part in this unique transatlantic race between France and Mexico to be held in October.

Starting on 18 October from Saint-Nazaire in southern Brittany, the Solidaire du Chocolat is a non-stop two-handed transatlantic race to Yucatan, Mexico, exclusively for Class 40 yachts.

A unique side of the race is its charitable aspect. Each team must come with a backer and a celebrity. The former must commit to giving financial support to an association of €25,000 including tax, €15,000 of which can be deducted from the firm’s tax bill. An ethical committee approves the projects. Many celebrities have already signed up: Eddy Mitchel, François Cluzet, Charles Berling, Sophie Davant, etc.

Of the 25 skippers entered so far there are 14 French, 1 American, 1 Irishman, 1 Belgian, 3 Englishmen, 3 Italians, 1 Spaniard and 1 Chinese.

The line-up includes Gonzalo Botin, Thierry Bouchard, Gérald Bibot, Patrice Carpentier, Christan Chardonnal, Wilfrid Clerton, David Consorte, Tanguy de la Motte, Eric Defert, Pascal Doin, Jacques Fournier, Peter Harding, Bruno Jourdren, Denis Lazat, Loick Le Doyen, Anne Liardet, Davis MacKenzie, Cian McCarthy, Erik Nigon, Madien Seguin, Giovanni Soldini, Tomaso Stella, Richard Tolkien, Philippe Vallee and Tim Wright. the entry list will remain open until 30 July.