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Tagesvideos
15.05.2010
An exciting voyage there and back
With less than 24 hours to go to the start, the crews taking part in the Vendée – St-
Petersburg all appear very calm and are looking forward to their big moment in the
spotlight. The crowds are swelling, as on Friday 13,000 visitors strolled along the
pontoons hoping to get an autograph from one of the skippers, or have their photo
taken in front of the bows of one of the multihulls, to keep as a souvenir… Meanwhile,
the crews are working on the final few details, while the navigators are carefully
studying the weather forecasts.
A bravura performance is going to be
required. That is is the feeling that is
prevalent throughout this fleet taking
part in this first edition of the Vendée
St-Petersburg. A complex route with
two legs, there and back, which
means things could change
considerably when they set out again
from Russia.
More than two-thirds of
the voyage involves coastal sailing
making the result of this race very
uncertain and fascinating. On top of
that the weather has chosen to
complicate matters providing very quiet conditions for the first few days of the race:
light, variable winds are expected at least until they reach the Dover Straits. While
these would be considered ideal for amateur sailors out for the weekend, they are
going to be tough on the nerves of these racers.
It is quite likely that many will find
themselves becalmed, meaning they can only watch with horror as their rivals
thought to be safely behind them, make their get away. Instead of a major strategy
plan for ocean racing, it looks like it could easily turn into a real brain-teaser,
particularly as there are a number of obstacles along the way with adverse currents
and races off headlands off the tip of Brittany (Sein) and the Cherbourg Peninsula
(Jobourg). They are also going to have to keep a close watch on all the shipping in
the Channel, in particular, as they make their way through the Dover Straits, before
reaching the North Sea with its sandbanks and oil rigs.
Finding that magic balance
Another tricky moment will come as they pass through the Oresund between
Denmark and Sweden. This narrow channel, which shrinks down to five miles at times
also means they will have to make their way over the Copenhagen to
Malmö crossing: there is an underwater tunnel leaving Denmark and a bridge
reaching Sweden. A major turning point, which the competitors will have to
negotiate. Finally, when they reach the Baltic, this will be the first time for many of the
competitors, although some like Lalou Roucayrol (Aquitaine Port-Médoc) have
already dealt with these waters during the Oop’s Cup, a multihull circuit that takes
place in Northern Europe. They all know as Loïc Féquet pointed out (Crêpes Whaou !
2) that they are going to have to be particularly vigilant with the risk of variable winds
and a lot of obstacles along the way before they reach the Gulf of Finland.
So, we can clearly see that this is not going to be smooth sailing all the way for those
taking part in the Vendée St-Petersburg. They are going to have to find that magic
balance between getting rest, making sure the crew are alert, sharing the work and
decision-making. A subtle blend, which will require the full attention of the crews, if
they wish to find that harmony on board to create that perfect symphony, their
masterpiece as they reach St-Petersburg. But let us not forget that they are then
going to have to come all the way back to Vendée, remembering that it is not going
to be over until the fat lady sings…
What they said:
Franck-Yves Escoffier (Crêpes Whaou !)
“There’s always a bit of apprehension, as we’re entering into the unknown. Setting
out on a new course like this one is very interesting. There’s bound to be things to
discover, things we didn’t know about. I hope for the sake of the class that others
will finish ahead of us, but having said that, we’ll be doing our utmost to be there at
the front. I’ve been here since last Thursday and I’m enjoying it. Everyone is here and
when I see all the crowds on the pontoon, it’s really great. For our partners in terms of
the coverage they get, a race like this could become more important than the
Route du Rhum… “
Lalou Roucayrol (Région Aquitaine – Port Médoc)
“There’s a fantastic atmosphere here. The route is wonderful and the crew are ready
to go. So, everything is fine. We can’t wait now to get underway. What is going to
be interesting about this race is that there are going to be some tactical games and
there’s no reason why we won’t be up there challenging the boats from the latest
generation… I have sailed several times in these waters and each time it was an
interesting experience: rocks, currents, variable winds, but also some amazing
places. If we are lucky enough to sail close to the coast, we’re going to be able to
see some remarkable sights.”
Etienne Hochédé (PiR2)
“We’re taking on a youngster from Saint-Gilles Croix-de-Vie for the return leg, so
we’re going to have the whole of Vendée supporting us. One thing that is certain is
that it’s nice to have a major race that is exclusively reserved for the Multi50 class.”
Reminder
- Number of entrants: 9 crews, FY Escoffier, Y Le Blévec, E Le Roux, H Cléris, A
Caseneuve, L Roucayrol, P Laperche, E Hochédé et L Féquet.
- Crewed race with three people. The crews can be changed in St. Petersburg.
- Start on 16th May 2010 from Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie: finish expected in St.
Petersburg around 22nd to 24th May 2010.
- Start from St. Petersburg on 31st May 2010: due to finish in Saint Gilles Croix-de-Vie
around 5th –7th June 2010.
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