Oceanracing 2007 - Transat Jaques Vabre 2007

Transat Jaques Vabre 2007
von Le Havre nach Bahia - Start 3. November 2007
www.jacques-vabre.com - www.transatbtob.com - Übersicht

22.11.2007
ROXY 60' / Transat Jacques Vabre
Skipper: Sam DAVIES (UK)
Co-skipper: Jeanne GREGOIRE (FRA)
Roxy finishes 10th in the Transat Jacques Vabre

After 18 days, 21 hours and 56 minutes at sea, the only all-girl crew in the IMOCA class crossed the finishing line in the Transat Jacques Vabre 2007 in 10th place, at precisely 11.56am and 20 seconds (French time).
A happy Sam Davies, skipper of ROXY and Jeanne Grégoire, co-skipper, give their first impressions just a few moments after stepping back onto dry land:

How are you feeling right now?
Both: "Very satisfied. In sporting terms, we sailed a good race given the boat's abilities. And personally too, because we still get on so well out on the water. When things are nice and efficient, it's great. We didn't have any stressful moments or slip-ups. We feel like it's been a job well done."

Die Laiteriecrew feiert

Die Roxy-Mädchen auf den letzten Meilen

10th place, is that a reasonable result?
Jeanne: "It's a good result. Roxy finished first among the "old" boats. We weren't far off finishing even closer to the newer boats like Generali. For Sam, it's really reassuring to know that the boat is performing well with a view to the Vendée Globe. Sam handles the boat well. Now, she knows it inside out."

Any regrets?
Jeanne: "Yes, but only tactical ones. Like the passage through the Canaries. We could have done that a little better. We stuck to the theory too much when we should taken a more practical approach."

What was the hardest part?
Jeanne: "Just after passing the doldrums, we were only sailing close to the wind, whilst everyone up ahead was running fast. We wondered if it would end up costing us. It was a bit of a blow to morale."

You seem to make a good team. How did you organise things on board?
Both: "We'd already sailed together for the ag2r. Everything's like clockwork when we're together. It's all very natural. There's lots of respect, trust and mutual consideration between us. It's rare to find a partner you get on with so well in a double-handed race."

What was the highlight of the race for you?
In unison: "Without a doubt, it was seeing that whale that put on an incredible show for us. It was an intense, unique moment that you can only ever experience out on the water. We were spellbound."
Jeanne: "And then there was the last night on board before the finish. We took turns whilst the boat was running flat out at 19 knots under gennaker. It was great."

What have you learned from this race?
Sam: "I have gained hugely in confidence, and handling the boat. We're both physically shattered, but so happy with the race."

How did you find the seas?
Sam: "I noted some positive things compared with four years ago (when she last took part in the Transat Jacques Vabre alongside Nick Moloney on Skandia). At the time, we came across a lot of dustbins, household rubbish, even a fridge.. This time, we didn't see any of that, it was much cleaner."

Next up, the B to B?
Sam: "It might seem strange, but I can't wait to get back out there! I want to see how I do single-handed, this time, and try to do alone what we've managed to do together. I know there'll be a lot of sailing close to the wind, and that that's not ideal for Roxy compared with more recent boats that sail better and faster in those conditions. Certainly it'll be tougher on the morale, because the others will be running faster. I'm also dreading the passage through the doldrums and the heavy squall alone. It was tough enough with two, so on my own...

But the most important thing for me, even though it's a race, will be to make it home safely and qualify for the Vendée Globe. "