On Sunday, June 25, the Queen Mary 2 set sail from Saint Nazaire, France, to cross the Atlantic in a Transatlantic “Race” against four trimarans in “The Bridge 2017.”
According to Cunard Line, “The Bridge 2017” is a series of events commemorating the centenary of the first landing of American soldiers in France during WWI in June 1917.
It is also a celebration of 100 years of friendship between France and the U.S. ever since that landing.
Cunard is taking part in this historic celebration by sailing Queen Mary 2 from Saint Nazaire, France, where the ship was originally built, to her U.S. homeport in Brooklyn, New York, arriving on July 1.
The four multi-hulls accompanying Queen Mary 2 across the North Atlantic are helmed by skippers Thomas Coville for Sodebo Ultim, Francis Joyon for Idec Sport, and the two fastest around-the-world sailors, François Gabart for Macif, who has won the most races, and Yves Le Blévec for Actual.
“We are honored to be part of The Bridge 2017,” said Josh Leibowitz, senior vice president, Cunard North America. “Cunard, with its 177-year history, has been recognized for its role in World War I and we are privileged to be an important part of this historic event which celebrates Franco-American relations and their shared pastime of sailing.”
