On 23rd May, 19 single-hull vessels set sail for the Ile aux Moines to discover the dream panorama which opens up over the Gulf of Morbihan.
Organised by Climalife and its valued partners, Assurfroid, Clima+comfort, Eurovent Certification Company, GEA Heat Exchangers, Exxon Mobil, Honeywell, HRS, ITE, RPF and Snefcca, this 22nd event was held in a warm and competitive atmosphere.
From Friday afternoon the tone was set. 160 refrigeration and air conditioning professionals raced in waters where the strong currents and counter currents do not allow the slightest mistake.
The ITE boat took the lead in the rankings after the two first races sponsored by GEA and Mobil Lubricants, closely followed by the GEA 2 and IDS Froid boats.
When they arrived on the Ile aux Moines, known as Izenah in the Breton language, the participants jumped on their bikes heading for the protected Trec’h headland where a fabulous evening showcasing local specialities took place.
Each of the sailors brought culinary delights from across the different countries of Europe that awakened everybody’s taste buds, amidst the sound of jazzy tunes.
With the weather just as good on Saturday; the sun and wind both present, the boats sailing under colourful spinnakers on this "little sea" dotted with numerous islands were a magnificent sight. The previous winners confirmed their position in the Honeywell and HRS races which saw new challengers appear for second and third place.
Everyone got in the saddle for the "Stones on the Land" historical and cultural treasure hunt. This gave participants the opportunity to travel all over the Ile aux Moines from top to bottom and in particular to discover the Kergonan stone circle at the end of the day.
The two final legs sponsored by Snefcca and Climalife were the deciding factor between the competitors. The Voiles du Froid trophy was won by the ITE boat from Belgium, and left France once again for the second consecutive year.
A cocktail party was organised at Port du Crouesty to close the event and wish everyone a warm goodbye.
Climalife would like to sincerely thank all the participants and their partners for their contribution to the success of this beautiful adventure which has become the most important European event in the world of refrigeration and air conditioning.
See pictures of the Voiles du Froid 2014