Since 2023, the Diam 24 One Design—formerly the official boat of the Tour de France à la Voile—has found a new lease on life as the platform for a thriving circuit: the World Diam Tour France.

“Every year, we offer six events, each running over three days from Friday to Sunday,” explains Xavier Dubos, Class President and racer aboard Opteamwork.

He continues: “The regattas are a mix of distance races—up to 30 nautical miles—and buoy courses. They generate two distinct rankings: one for teams and one for individual sailors. All this happens on a fast, proven boat, with no ‘arms race’ regarding equipment since they are all identical one-designs. The racing is tight; it’s pure sport on equal footing, offering a remarkable balance of fun, learning, and performance.”

The competing crews come from diverse backgrounds: young talent, ex-pros wanting to race at a high level without too many constraints, ambitious amateurs, and teams seeking visibility. The goal is to attract new entrants to deepen the field. Nine teams participated in the 2025 circuit; the long-term ambition is to field between 12 and 15 boats.

“I try to talk about it as much as possible,” explains Loïc Escoffier, winner of this year’s World Diam Tour France (both individual and team), who will return for a third consecutive season in 2026. “For example, Ocean Fifty and Ultim teams could join the circuit during their long refit periods. It would be very economically accessible for them and ultra-interesting from a sporting perspective. If a big team joins, it will drive the others and boost the circuit’s appeal.”

“The World Diam Tour France is a smart sporting investment for pro teams, offering recurring visibility year-round, an ideal format for maintaining performance, and an attractive opportunity for sponsors thanks to content generated throughout the season,” adds Xavier Dubos.

One of the World Diam Tour France’s strengths is its simplified logistics, compatible with busy family and professional lives. Assembly, transport, and maintenance can be entirely delegated to the ADH Inotecboatyard, managed by the Diam 24od designer, Vianney Ancellin. This maximizes time spent on the water.

“I run a fishing business in Saint-Malo with 40 sailors on my boats, so I have a very packed schedule,” explains Escoffier. “Arriving at a regatta with the boat already there, rigged, and ready to sail is invaluable. We just have a few settings to finalize, and we can go race. With minimal hassle, I can keep sailing, have fun with friends, and maintain a good level.”

Another asset is the cost control. “It’s a platform well-suited to the current economic climate,” continues the sailor from Saint-Malo.

The cost of a season?

“Several solutions exist,” answers Dubos. “Since the Diam 24 is still built in Port-la-Forêt, you can buy new [€70,000 incl. tax], buy used [between €25,000 and €30,000], or charter a boat. The charter option—which covers all six events, logistics, technical support, and a new set of sails—comes to €16,800 (incl. tax), excluding regatta entry fees [approx. €250 per event].”

The 2026 calendar is already set, allowing teams to plan their sailing season early:

• Spi Ouest-France (April 3–6)

• Île de Ré (May 1st weekend)

• Saint-Denis-d’Oléron (May 29–31)

• 4 Vents Cup in Brest (mid-June)

• Trophée YCCA in Le Crouesty (mid-September)

• Challenge An Avel Braz in Saint-Philibert (mid-October)

Xavier Dubos concludes: “The big news for 2026, designed to remove barriers and facilitate handling this thoroughbred boat, is that the class will implement coaching sessions on the Fridays and Saturdays of each regatta. It’s a chance to show that multihull sailing is a true school of seamanship where you learn with every outing.”