Marseille prepares for the 60th SNIM with Justine Mettraux

From April 3 to 6, 2026, the southern harbor of Marseille will implement a dedicated port operations plan to host over 100 IRC crews: berthing assignments will concentrate IRC 0–1 in berths A1–A6, IRC 2–3 in berths B1–B8, and one-design lines (including the J70 fleet) at the outer quays; temporary moorings and med-moor arrangements will be installed in the basin, two lifting cranes will be on standby for technical assistance, and race committee boats plus spectator craft will follow a prescribed traffic separation scheme to minimize interference with commercial traffic into the Vieux-Port.

Event snapshot and operational details

The Semaine Nautique Internationale de la Méditerranée (SNIM) celebrates its 60th edition in Marseille. Race management has planned a mix of inshore and constructed courses tailored to the local site effects: thermal winds, coastal tilts and the southern harbor’s eddy patterns. The regatta is a Grade 3 event on the Mediterranean IRC circuit and will count towards both the Mediterranean IRC Duo and Crew championships. In practical terms, organisers have published a Notice of Race with designated safety boats, jury posts, and a contingency plan for Mistral or unstable spring weather.

Key logistics at a glance

Justine Mettraux named godmother: profile and implications

Justine Mettraux, born in Geneva in 1986, will be the official godmother of the 60th SNIM. Her resume includes a background in Figaro singlehanded racing and multiple crewed ocean successes, notably two overall victories in The Ocean Race. In the 2024–2025 Vendée Globe, Mettraux achieved 8th overall and became the first woman to finish that edition, completing the solo non-stop lap in 76 days and earning the Rolex World Sailor of the Year (women) award for 2025.

Why Mettraux’s role matters for SNIM and local operators

Having a high-profile offshore sailor as godmother raises SNIM’s visibility among ocean-racing followers and prospective charter clients. Sail training providers, yacht brokers and local marinas can expect increased inquiries for charter packages and skipper services in the months before and after the regatta, especially from visitors who want to combine race spectating with short-term boat rental or crewed experiences. Her campaign to build a next-generation IMOCA for the next Vendée Globe also highlights the technical bridge between coastal IRC boats and offshore high-performance platforms.

Race format, classes and competitive landscape

SNIM’s course selection is known for technical challenges. Race committees plan a program combining coastal reaches, windward–leeward marks and constructed routes that test tactical decision-making in the face of Marseille’s coastal circulations and thermal shifts.

Classes and likely race programme

• IRC 0–3: Full fleet racing with corrected-time scoring.
• IRC Duo: Two-handed crews competing under IRC Duo rules.
• J70 one-design: Strong line-up expected, prep for the Corinthian J70 Worlds in May 2026.
• Corinthian divisions: Encouraging amateur crews and owner-drivers.

Expected competitive highlights

Race organizers predict tight competition in the J70 fleet and a strategically important window of inshore races that reward crew work and frequent sail changes. For IRC-rated boats, course reading and weight distribution will be decisive given the harbour’s localized wind patterns.

Spotlight on women’s sailing and legacy initiatives

For its 60th anniversary, Société Nautique de Marseille has established a dedicated trophy: Trophée 60e SNIM Justine Mettraux — énergie et performances au féminin, to be awarded to the highest-ranked female crew. The move aligns with broader efforts to raise female participation in sailing at both grassroots and elite levels, and it provides an incentive for mixed and all-women teams to take part in a high-profile IRC event.

Programmes and outreach

• Prize category honoring top female crew performance.
• Workshops and clinics led by experienced skippers and coaches during race week.
• Partnerships with local sailing schools to promote youth and female participation.

Historical context and role in Mediterranean sailing

SNIM traces six decades of continuity in Mediterranean regatta culture and has long served as a benchmark event on the IRC calendar. Over the years it has evolved from a local sailing week into a major pre-season meeting for Mediterranean fleets. The regatta’s longevity has contributed to the development of regional race management expertise, strengthened ties between marinas, and supported a network of service providers — from sail lofts to transport companies handling mast and trailer logistics.

How SNIM shaped the region’s yachting ecosystem

Historically, SNIM’s presence has generated recurring traffic for nearby marinas and local tourism businesses, aligning race timing with high-demand periods for charter brokers and boat operators. Its role as a preparatory event for larger world championships (such as the J70 Worlds) has repeatedly drawn international crews to Marseille, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a yachting destination.

Short-term forecast and implications for tourism

In the short term, SNIM 2026 is likely to boost charter and berth demand around early April: visiting crews, support teams and race followers typically require marina berths, provisioning services, and local transport. For international tourists, the regatta creates opportunities for day-charter boat hires, spectator cruises and shore-based activities in a classic Mediterranean setting.

Operational considerations for charter companies and marinas

• Plan berth allocations and short-term mooring availability in advance.
• Anticipate increased requests for skipper services and bareboat charters.
• Prepare for media attention and potential sponsor hospitality needs.

The 60th SNIM will both commemorate a long-standing Mediterranean regatta and act as a pulsing calendar anchor that stimulates local marine services, charter activity and spectator boating. For sailors and operators, it will offer a competitive and social platform that connects coastal racing with the wider offshore narrative embodied by figures like Justine Mettraux. As a central wrap-up: the event combines complex harbour logistics, a competitive IRC and one-design programme, and a renewed emphasis on women’s sailing — all of which are likely to increase interest in yacht and boat charters, spur demand for marinas and support services, and boost short-term tourism activity across sailing Destinations and marinas in the region. For those looking to book a yacht, rent a boat or arrange a charter with a captain for race week or follow-up cruising, GetBoat.com is an international marketplace for renting sailing boats and yachts, probably the best service to find options that fit every taste and budget across marinas, beaches, clearwater anchorages and gulf cruising, from day boating and fishing trips to superyacht and charter sale enquiries.