In the latest update from the CIC NORMANDY CHANNEL RACE, the Class40s have made significant progress after a challenging start from the Solent. Despite the difficulties, the crews were treated to a stunning sunrise as they sailed towards Land’s End. Due to an impending strong low-pressure system, the planned out-and-back route in the Celtic Sea, which included rounding Lundy Island, has been abandoned to ensure the safety of all boats in potentially dangerous conditions.
At 7:15 AM today, LEGALLAIS reached the Wolfrock lighthouse, closely followed by SOGESTRAN-SEAFRIGO, who were just 0.3 miles behind. The leading boats are now sailing at speeds of 18 to 20 knots towards the Roches de Portsall mark, which is 90 miles away.
The race down the English coast has been marked by approximately 20 knots of wind, and the route is well-known to seasoned competitors. The infamous Start Point has proven to be challenging, often catching sailors off guard. As competitors jostle for positions, the fleet remains tightly packed, with strategies in play to gain precious metres on their rivals.
Unfortunately, on Monday morning, the first boat, ASSOCIATION RÊVES, skippered by Loïc Fequet and Yves Courbon, had to retire due to electronic issues, marking a disappointing end for a vessel that had recently been relaunched.
As night fell and early morning approached in Penzance Bay, the competition intensified, with crews tactically battling upwind to reach the Wolfrock mark. Following LEGALLAIS and SOGESTRAN-SEAFRIGO, a group of nine Class40s, including CUSTOPOL, VSF SPORTS, MACCAFERRI FUTURA, and BLEU BLANC PLANETE LOCATION, are closely contesting their positions within 10 miles of each other.
A fast race is anticipated as the forecast predicts 20 to 25 knots of wind in the coming hours, with the first boats expected to cross the Portsall mark around midday.
To follow the race: https://normandy-race.com/suivre-la-course/
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