Thirty-seven Class 40s have recommenced their race from Le Havre to Martinique after a restart from La Coruña, having previously navigated the challenging conditions of the Doldrums. The journey encompasses approximately 3200 nautical miles, expected to take around 14 days, with competitors weighing up two strategic options: taking a southern route that may prove complex or sticking to a classic northern trajectory, which may involve rough upwind sailing followed by a south-west reach towards Martinique.
In the ULTIM category, Tom Laperche and Franck Cammas aboard SVR Lazartigue continue to lead despite dealing with squally conditions in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ICTZ). With a steady 10 knots speed, they are closely followed by Armel Le Cléac’h and Seb Josse on Banque Populaire XI, who have significantly reduced their deficit, making headway at approximately 22-23 knots.
Tom Laperche commented on the difficulties they face with unpredictable winds and sail management, recounting their experience in the previous editions and expressing caution about the prevailing conditions.
In the Ocean Fifty segment, leaders Emmanuel Le Roch and Basile Bourgnon on Edenred 5 have made a strong exit from the Cape Verde islands, heading straight towards Martinique, 2100 nautical miles away. They are followed closely by Baptiste Hulin and Thomas Rouxel on Viablis.
In the IMOCA category, Francesca Clapcich and Will Harris on 11th Hour Racing are currently leading amid solid trade winds, though they must remain vigilant against challengers including Justine Mettraux and Xavier Macaire, who are only 11 miles behind.
As for the Class 40s in La Coruña, they faced a 12-15 knot westerly breeze under challenging skies. The fleet is led by Guillaume Pirouelle and Cedric Chateau on Seafrigo-Sogestran as they strategise their next moves in anticipation of a storm.
Skippers Pep Costa and Russia’s Pam Lee shared their cautious optimism, emphasising the necessity for acute weather analysis to navigate the tricky Atlantic conditions effectively.
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