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Monday 05 December
BtoB: And they’re off!
Description : btobOn board Safran, Marc Guillemot set off from Saint Barts
in the Transat B to B at 1400 GMT (1500 CET) today (Monday 5th December) in
a light easterly wind, blowing at around twelve knots. Eight solo sailors
set off for 3300 miles across the Atlantic to Lorient in Brittany. “It may
not be that enjoyable, but is an excellent way to prepare for the Vendée
Globe,” explained the skipper of Safran.
Marc, what are the characteristics of this crossing and what are you
expecting in terms of the weather?
“Of course, we’re going to have to keep updating the weather on board, but
let’s say that in a classic scenario at this time of year, during the first
part of this voyage, we can expect to find the trade winds, so that means
upwind sailing. This isn’t usually very comfortable, as we are heeled over
and get very wet, but at least the boat can keep going and there are no
worries about the situation, as it remains relative simple to deal with.
This pattern can last for 4 or 5 days. After that, there is the problem of
getting around the Azores high in order to hop onto one of the lows to head
for Brittany. That’s when it becomes a bit rock’n’roll, as sailing solo we
find ourselves downwind with a lot of sail up on these boats and the gybes
that are required are a source of stress that we don’t have when sailing
upwind. There may therefore be a certain tension on board, but the advantage
is that we sail quickly towards the finish in conditions similar to what we
will probably encounter in the Vendée Globe. In general heading for Brittany
in December is not that easy.”
What are your goals in this solo transatlantic race?
“Firstly, this is a real race, so if we can make it to the podium or win,
we’ll be going for it. But personally the result isn’t the most important
thing, as the first objective is to get ready for the Vendée Globe. From
that perspective, the Transat B to B is a major race, as it is the only big
race left to sail solo before the start of the Vendée Globe in eleven months
time. On top of that, the conditions will be close to what we can expect in
the round the world race. For me not to take part would be a mistake. The
competition is of a high standard and whoever makes it to the podium of the
Transat B to B may well also be there on the Vendée Globe podium…”
The Transat B to B in short:
* Single-handed race reserved for 60-foot IMOCA boats.
Theoretical route of 3300 miles between Saint Barts and Lorient.
* Start on Monday 5th December with the boats due to finish in Lorient
on around 20th December.
* Eight competitors at the start: Marc Guillemot (Safran), Armel Le
Cléac’h (Banque Populaire), Vincent Riou (PRB), Jean-Pierre Dick
(Virbac-Paprec), Mike Golding (Gamesa), Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss), François
Gabart (Macif) and Louis Burton (Bureau Vallée).
* This is a qualifying race for the Vendée Globe, but only two out of
the eight taking part still need to fulfil this requirement: François Gabart
and Louis Burton. All the others – including Marc Guillemot and Safran –
have already qualified for the Everest of sailing, which is due to begin on
10th November 2012 from Les Sables d’Olonne.
Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core
businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security.
Operating worldwide, the Safran group has more than 54,000 employees and
generated sales of 10.8 billion euros in 2010. Working alone or in
partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core
markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the
requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.2 billion
euros in 2010. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is part
of the CAC 40.
For more information, www.safran-group.com
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