Transat Jaques Vabre

[dunedin]

As others have said, the conditions they would have met on the exit of Biscay were more than just a bit rough. Which is exactly why only the Ultimes, who could confidently expect to be well clear before the weather arrives, have actually been sent on their original course. Both the 40s, and the 50 Tris, have gone to Lorient. But not enough room for the IMOCAs.

As Pip said in commentary, there is a huge difference between being prepared to meet, navigate around and survive in offshore storms and encountering the same weather at either the start or end of a passage where geography starts limiting your options. It would have been 50+ knots upwind. Nobody in their right mind sends the fleet into that.

Yes Pip’s comments were, as ever, very informative. And she emphasised the bit about these boats now being so fast that given sea room they can sail out of the way of most storms (albeit presumably not when constrained into the gap at Cape Horn).

 

[flaming]

Surprised how slow they were tacking.

Light boats with big blunt bows, sailed 2 up tacking in 30 kts and a nasty chop....

Not at all surprised.

 

[dunedin]

All the Class 40s now safe in Lorient (other than 4 retired to other ports). Amazing speed for a largely upwind race - the leader finished in 34 hours for a course of 320nm, and must have sailed 350+ miles due to tacking. So averaging 10 knots.
Certainly proven scow bows can go fast upwind - albeit doesn’t sound like it was very “comfortable” at times! They will enjoy their change to set and repair.

 

[dunedin]

Lots of Jury decisions and associated penalties imposed for various collisions at the first mark and route infringements for the Class 40s - Jury decisions
Also a protest yet to be heard against the race winner Pirelli

Some good news for one of the race favourites taken out by one of the tacking collisions at the first mark. They have managed to lift, derig and truck the boat to Lorient, in spite of the storm- now just need to repair and reassemble ahead of the restart - Getting the work done to be ready to restart

However the possibility of the IMOCAs starting on Sunday has closed, and now no starts before at least Monday - Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre fleet kept secure during the passage of storm Ciarán No start before Monday for any class, including the IMOCAs

 

[flaming]

No start before Tuesday now…

 

[dunedin]

Meanwhile the five Ultims are clear of the stormy European weather and hurtling along - 712 nm in 24 hours is incredible stuff - Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre update: Banque Populaire XI in charge in the trade winds

 

[dunedin]

Restart for Ocean 50 and Class 40 from Lorient on Monday morning

Start for IMOCA 60s from Le Havre Tuesday morning

For the IMOCAs a big start is on the cards for Tuesday morning. Racing resumes with restart Monday for the Class40 and Ocean Fifty.

 

[westernman]

Meanwhile the five Ultims are clear of the stormy European weather and hurtling along - 712 nm in 24 hours is incredible stuff - Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre update: Banque Populaire XI in charge in the trade winds

No way is that a comfortable ride.

I would rather a gentle sail into the sunset with something good to sip on as the water gently gurgles past.

 

[Mudisox]

“In collaboration with Race Management and the classes, we have calibrated everyone's courses and timings according to the weather windows to prioritize the safety of sailors and boats. That was the prerequisite. At the same time, we have done everything possible to ensure that the start of this superb fleet of 40 IMOCAs benefits from the best possible media coverage and we have no doubt that once again, the images will be superb.”concluded Gildas Gautier, co-director of the Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre.

Well they are all professionals with sponsors to satisfy

 

[michael_w]

Anybody know when is kick off for the IMOCAS? I can't find it on the website.

 

[r_h]

Anybody know when is kick off for the IMOCAS? I can't find it on the website.

0830UTC live commentary here from 0810: https://www.youtube.com/live/UKDG5bnqJD0?si=QVqW6idhKX4ewdvy

 

[michael_w]

Thanks!

 

[flaming]

The difference in motion between the foilers and the daggerboard boats is really quite marked.

 

[Skellum]

What was thinking behind building a new daggerboard boat? Interesting choice.

 

[flaming]

What was thinking behind building a new daggerboard boat? Interesting choice.

Yeah....

I'm not sure I get that either.

 

[r_h]

What was thinking behind building a new daggerboard boat? Interesting choice.

A brave choice, but in the last Vendee Globe Jean Le Cam was only hours off the winning spot in a daggerboard boat that was two generations out of date. I reckon the evidence is that the teams with foiling boats are now able to extract a lot more performance from them than they could even 2-3 years ago, but it makes you wonder how a new daggerboard boat might do on a round the world racce...

 

[flaming]

A brave choice, but in the last Vendee Globe Jean Le Cam was only hours off the winning spot in a daggerboard boat that was two generations out of date. I reckon the evidence is that the teams with foiling boats are now able to extract a lot more performance from them than they could even 2-3 years ago, but it makes you wonder how a new daggerboard boat might do on a round the world racce...

We’ll find out next year…

 

[michael_w]

Why is Bureau Vallee rock hopping?

 

[John_Silver]

Wonder if they were taking their 5 hour penalty (for starting between the inner line mark and the committee boat)? They look to have done a loop, going backwards at one stage, west of Ile de Batz. On their way again now.

 

[michael_w]

Thanks