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07.10.2008
The war to end all wars in the Marmara Sea…
After a west to east Trans-Mediterranean and 1,550 miles in its wake, the
“European Capital of Culture – Cap Istanbul” is gradually drawing to a
close. The grand finale promises to be as intense as it is rich in surprises
and upsets. After passing through the Dardanelles Strait, and the ‘high
point’ of the 1914-1918 war, the solo sailors will take the start of the
final leg from Gallipoli to Istanbul. This ultimate 110 mile apotheosis will
reveal the name of the outright winner of the event on the far shores of the
Marmara Sea. Doubtless the victor will have earned this title, alone in
tackling all the obstacles and hazards of the Grande Bleue at the helm of a
one design bound for the enchanting city of Istanbul…
Soon the fleet will be enjoying the waters of the Bosphorus, the golden
crescent, the minarets and the domes of Istanbul, a city which is the
symbolic bridge between the east and west. The solo sailors’ voyage is
drawing to a close and the final outcome is fast approaching ahead of the
bows of the Figaro Bénéteaus, on a stopover in the small island of Bozcaada.
Sailing through the Dardanelles Strait is prohibited so it’s at Gallipoli,
after a 60 mile delivery under motor that the start of this final leg will
be given. The Marmara Sea will certainly require the sailors to be on their
toes, with all their wits about them, as much to anticipate the final
weather traps as appreciate the technicoloured landscape. These will be the
Justices of the Peace in this 2008 edition of the Cap Istanbul. For now some
wind is expected and should enable the fleet to make it into the Bosphorus
on Thursday morning.
The podium up for grabs
On these waters between the European and Asian Thrace, the 27 solo sailors
will be keen to do battle with all guns blazing. “This last leg is scheduled
to cover a hundred miles or so, during which we’ll have to give it our all
in a bid to get a good result”, announces Armel Tripon (Gedimat). As for all
those who are vying for medals: the five skippers on Nicolas Bérenger’s
(Koné Elevators) tail, will be playing all their cards for the podium, as
tactical coups will be par for the course now and there certainly won’t be
any holds barred in the final sprint. Gildas Morvan (Cercle Vert), François
Gabart (Espoir Région Bretagne), Gildas Mahé (Le Comptoir Immobilier), Marc
Emig (Capitol) as well as Thierry Chabagny (Suzuki Automobiles) are within
just 70 minutes of each other. Heaven knows that in these oriental
latitudes, anything is possible. Complete upheaval and attack fill the air
adding a real frisson to the context of this ultimate leg. The three closest
pursuers behind the frontrunner are themselves within just 30 minutes of
each other. In their battle for the podium they’ll naturally be eager to
play at musical chairs to the sounds of the muezzins’ call to prayer.
Byzantium abound?
As for Nicolas Bérenger, boosted by his 51 minute and 03 second lead over
Gildas Morvan, he has never been so close to conquering Istanbul. The city
is clearly calling to him now and to reach Istanbul would be the epitome of
everything he has striven towards in a course which has been ‘Byzantine’ in
every respect. Just a 110 mile sprint across the Marmara Sea stands between
this familiar leader of the pack and the spicy taste of victory. In
Bozcaada, despite the obvious pressure, he declares himself to be confident
but he does make a gentle mockery of the situation: “It is customary to say
that when you have a half hour lead, you’re protected”. It reindexs that at
the gateway to the Bosphorus, a new wind is blowing across the foundations
of ocean racing. Coveted for centuries, Istanbul reindexs a cherished
destination…
Quotes from the Boats:
Jean-Charles Monnet, skipper of Degrémont-Suez Environnement, “Source de
Talents”: “The course of the 5th leg is simple, without any particular
hurdles, and according to the first weather estimates it’ll be a fast leg. I
don’t think this high speed dash will upset the general ranking but we’re
going to reindex prudent and do our best to win it! The Mediterranean hasn’t
been particularly kind to me since the start but my perseverance in trying
my best reindexs intact.”
François Gabart (Espoir Région Bretagne): “It’ll be a short 110 mile course.
According to the latest information, it looks like calm conditions (light
wind) are on the horizon. It may be very tricky. As a result I raced the
fourth leg like it was the last, giving it my all to conserve a good place
in the general ranking.”
Gildas Morvan (Cercle Vert): “Even though I’m getting closer to the head of
the race, I’m not going to amuse myself by going on the attack on a solo
option. It would appear that in the Mamara Sea the conditions are
particularly shifty, and I won’t be tempting fate by going for victory at
all costs. This is especially true given that Nicolas Bérenger has sailed
well up to here and has put in a steady performance. My primary objective is
to the win the French Championship title: it would reward a season where
I’ve finished all the races on the podium…”
Translated by Kate Jennings – Expression
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