They aren't on the water yet, but they're already in the race. With just a few days to go before the start, the UniLaSalle Beauvais crew is wrapping up final preparations before heading to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue. For a week, they’ll swap classrooms for the deck of a sailboat, with one goal in mind: to challenge themselves, improve their skills, and defend the school’s colors in a renowned student regatta.

A team built through a year of preparation

For over 50 years, the EDHEC Cruise Race has brought together crews from all over France and beyond every spring. The event, conceived and organized by students at EDHEC Business School, has gradually established itself as a well-known fixture in the student community.

Today, nearly 3,000 participants gather for a variety of sporting events. For this 58th edition, the boats will drop anchor at Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue, on the coast of the English Channel.

Aboard the Maître Iodé, the Navy crew has come together over the past few months. “ We’ve been preparing for a year now,” explains Louise. It all began after the association’s first participation, which left a lasting impression and, above all, a desire to return. Seventeen students, from first to fourth year, from different programs, have learned to work together. On the boat, roles aren’t set in stone: everyone takes turns at the helm or adjusting the sails as needed.

A week to find the right course

On April 17, the crew will set sail from Cherbourg to Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue. This will be their first voyage before getting down to business. On April 19, a practice race will give them a chance to get their bearings before the official start of the regattas on April 20.

Competing in the main event, “La Course”, the students will race in consecutive heats all week long. The final standings aren’t decided by a single race, but by consistency. Day after day, the crew will have to adapt to the sometimes-changing conditions and stay the course despite the pressure.

Different paths, the same ambition

Behind the crew, their backgrounds are diverse but all lead to the same goal. Louise says she has been sailing since childhood and set herself the goal of one day participating in the EDHEC Cruise Race as soon as she arrived at UniLaSalle. Aymeric describes this adventure as “a culmination of the Navy association’s project,” but also as “an opportunity to fly our school’s colors high.” Philippine, who had already taken part in the event, recalls a memorable experience marked by “pushing oneself to the limit and competition”—an intensity that naturally made her want to return.

Throughout the week, the team will share their adventure on social media, with regular updates on results, behind-the-scenes insights, and changes in the rankings: LinkedIn UniLaSalle Navy, Instagram @unilasalle_navy, and @maitreiode_30.

Aboard the Maître Iodé, there’s no doubt that the Force will be with them.

Fair winds to the Navy crew.