November, 17th, 2013
The Doldrums: Safran back in the contest
This has been an exceptional weekend for Marc Guillemot and Pascal Bidégorry. Covering over 410 miles in 24 hours, the two sailors on Safran are back to a distance of around thirty miles from the leader. For the moment, the passage through the Doldrums has been very favourable for them.
“We shouldn’t get too excited. Anything is still possible and we will see the outcome tomorrow morning, once we’re out of the Doldrums. Having said that, we’re very pleased the way the last few hours have gone. We have been pushing hard. With the help of the Doldrums, we are well and truly back in the contest.” Marc’s voice sounded very upbeat this Sunday on the satellite phone. And we can well understand why. In twenty-four hours, Safran made up an amazing 70 miles (130 km). The gap to the leader was reduced from practically a hundred miles yesterday to just thirty this Sunday lunchtime. Moreover, Marc Guillemot and Pascal Bidégorry have also got much closer to the boat in third place, Maître Coq. The latter now has a mere fifteen mile lead over them, as opposed to thirty-five on Friday evening.
The race is back on
To sum up, the Famous Five boats, which have led this Transat Jacques Vabre are getting back together again as they make their way through the Doldrums. A word of caution however. We should not exclude the possibility of more shake-ups in this infamous intertropical convergence zone. To the east of the leading group, Macif paid a heavy price first of all during the night… before getting going again and retaking the lead from PRB in this Transat Jacques Vabre.
For the time being, Safran – along with Cheminées Poujoulat – has been the index beneficiary of this first half of the passage through the Doldrums, which they began yesterday evening. Even if these two boats may also experience areas of much lighter winds, the race is certainly back on with 2300 miles to go to the finish in Brazil.
“Over the last 24 hours, we have pushed hard with all our sail up,” added Marc Guillemot. “It’s really exhilarating with the boat under the water… it was very wet. The only little problem is that we need to get some rest, as it has really taken a lot out of us over the past few hours, in particular with all the sail changes. We need a bit of sleep. The tiredness is beginning to take its toll, but the race is fascinating with everything to play for.”
Position in the 05hrs PM rankings on Sunday 17th November:
Safran 4th, 30.74 miles from the leader Macif, at 5 36.04' N / 29 06.19' W.
Average speed: 12.7 knots.
2314 miles from the finish in Itajaí.
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