Yoann Richomme’s Paprec Arkéa team has taken the lead through the Leg 5 Scoring Gate, earning two points ahead of Allagrande Mapei Racing. Fresh Mediterranean breezes that arrived overnight have enhanced The Ocean Race Europe fleet’s progress south on the second day of this leg of the European tour.
The seven international four-person, mixed-gender crews had been making slow progress in ultra-light winds since departing Genova, Italy. However, an eight to 10-knot northwesterly wind around 0230 CEST allowed the leaders, including Paprec Arkéa, Biotherm, Team Malizia, and Allagrande Mapei Racing, to head south for the first time.
Sailing downwind at speeds of up to 32 knots, Paprec Arkéa reached the Scoring Gate at 07:33:24, just under a minute ahead of Allagrande Mapei, who secured a single point for second place.
As of 1330 CEST today (Tuesday 9th September), only six miles separated the leading four teams as they passed west of Menorca, with Team Holcim – PRB trailing by 12 miles. Canada Ocean Racing and Team AMAALA were further behind, struggling to catch the same breeze as the leaders.
Despite the setback, Team Holcim’s skipper Rosalin Kuiper remains determined to reclaim lost ground, while Canada Ocean Racing’s Lincoln Dews expressed optimism for new opportunities to close the gap.
Richomme reflected on the crew’s successful start to Leg 5, noting the worth of the two points gained at the Scoring Gate.
Allagrande Mapei’s Beccaria acknowledged the favourable wind conditions but cautioned about the challenging weather expected ahead.
Points awarded at Santo Stefano Scoring Gate:
Paprec Arkéa – 07:33:24 CEST – 2 points
Allagrande Mapei Racing – 07:34:21 CEST – 1 point
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