RACE UPDATE – TUESDAY MORNING: Arkéa-Handicap International takes Line Honours in the Multi 2000 class and Edenred crosses first in the Ocean Fify class, just over 2 hours behind.
Press release, July Monday 13: After over 48 hours of racing, competitors in the DRHEAM CUP have faced significant challenges due to a stormy transition zone between the DRHEAM-CUP and Rochebonne marks. This has led to a slowdown in progress and a shake-up in standings, with the first boats expected to finish in Lorient around 3 AM on Tuesday morning.
The initial downwind conditions of 20–25 knots that characterised the race’s opening phase are now a distant memory for the 93 sailors still competing on Monday afternoon. A low-pressure system moving from Spain has blocked the fleet’s path on the long leg between the DRHEAM-CUP mark and the Rochebonne mark.
Christian Dumard, the race’s weather consultant, had warned of the unpredictable conditions. Current circumstances have left boats scattered in various directions, some heading north and others south, creating unpredictability in the standings. François Seruzier, assisting the race director, noted that the transition zone presents tricky navigation with light and erratic winds.
Sophie Faguet, competing on Class40 Défi Solidaire, expressed her frustration with the conditions, stating, “I have just spent a s*** hour… we are sailing in a fairly bumpy sea, in winds that are completely unpredictable in direction and strength.” Despite her challenges, she remained hopeful, acknowledging that the same conditions affect all competitors.
Thibaut Vauchel-Camus, sailing on Ocean Fifty Solidaires en Peloton, described the ongoing instability: “It’s not exactly a walk in the park… if luck isn’t on our side, it could be a long day.” Meanwhile, the crew of the classic Faiaoahe found solace in the calmer moments, taking the opportunity to fish amidst the tumultuous weather.
As the transition zone continues to hinder the fleet, the front runners are nearing the finish line, with expected arrivals between dawn and late morning on Tuesday. The leading boats include the Orma Arkéa-Handicap International and the Volvo Open 70 Ocean Breeze-Majorica, both poised for victory in their respective classes.
The standings for the Ocean Fifties are still close, with the leading boats remaining tightly grouped despite the regrouping caused by the calm conditions. The Class40 fleet is similarly competitive, with Guillaume Pirouelle, Luca Rosetti, and Corentin Douguet leading the charge.
Regardless of the race outcomes, all competitors will be welcomed in Lorient, where the official race village opens on Tuesday, 14 July, at 10:00, offering festivities and entertainment to celebrate both the finishers and Bastille Day.
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