09.06.2010
Vendée - Saint-Petersburg
Promising results
Both Erwan le Roux (FenêtréA cardinal) and Pierre Hingant (La mer révèle nos sens) had every reason to celebrate at the end of this second leg of the Vendée St-Petersburg. The first, not only because he managed to keep his fifth place, but also because this race offered him an excellent trial to see how he measured up before the next major date on the calendar, the Route du Rhum. The latter could be equally pleased as this first edition allowed him to express his undeniable talent...
Winners and losers in this battle all had huge smiles on their faces at the traditional meal for the sailors at the finish of the leg. They all had good reason to congratulate each other at the end of this race.
Aboard FenêtréA Cardinal, Erwan le Roux only had a few months to get his boat ready and so he was only just discovering her from top to bottom. With the help of Richard Loncle, he worked all out to get the boat in competitive shape for the race. By taking on board Didier Le Vourc'h, Erwan completed his trio with a talented and friendly navigator, who was very easy to get on with. On top of that, for this first major outing in the colours of his new partner, Erwan was determined to make a great entrance into the Multi50 circuit. His fifth place is a very promising start and should encourage him in his next venture…
Revealing talents
Philippe Laperche, taken on board La mer révèle nos sens for the outward leg could not say enough to praise Pierre Hingant. Intelligent with a cherub like face, the young merchant navy officer is above all a splendid sailor: inspired navigational choices, an aptitude to lead his men and show determination. The crew of Franck-Yves Escoffier's former Gamin showed they were quite capable of pushing back their limits and getting the most out of their machine. The Vendée Saint-Petersburg was not only a magnificent race, but also enabled new talent to emerge. The Multi50 class will perhaps find here a new hatching ground for talent, as so many of these sailors were won over by the enjoyment of sailing these multihulls.
From the boats
Pierre Hingant (La Mer révèle nos sens) : "Both on the outward and return leg, our line-up came together to work very well. In short, we could say that there were two rather crazy youngsters and a third sailor, who was a bit older and kept them under control. It was very pleasant for the three of us to share this time together: when there are only two of you on board, you don't get much time to see each other really aboard the boat. In the way things were organised here, we were able to get together at times and share the experience that much more. What do I want now? Maybe perhaps continue on a Multi50, even if I would love to be able to sail on a boat that performs better."
Erwan Le Roux (FenêtréA Cardinal)) : "Mission accomplished. The team is rather pleased about finishing in fifth place, even if we haven't forgotten Anne Caseneuve's dismasting. We're really happy with that result. We managed to sail a tricky boat and complete both legs. Richard managed to keep the boat in good shape. He was really impressive each time there was any little odd job to do. I know what I can expect now in the Route du Rhum. It will be up to me to sail the boat and get 90% out of her..."
Positions in the 1400 hrs rankings (GMT)
- 1 Actual (Y Le Blévec) finished on 6th June at 13hrs 29mins 25secs
- 2 Crêpes Whaou ! 3 (FY Escoffier) finished on 6th June at 17hrs 13mins 27secs
- 3 Crêpes Whaou ! 2 (L Féquet) finished on 7th June at 17hrs 20 mins and 28secs
- 4 Région Aquitaine Port-Médoc (L Roucayrol) finished on 8th June at 05hrs 52mins 12 secs
- 5 FenêtréA-Cardinal (E Le Roux) finished on 9th June at 03hrs 45mins 38 secs
- 6 La mer révèle nos sens (P Hingant) finished on 9th June at 05 hrs 15mins 02 secs
- 7 CLM (H Cléris) 156 miles from the finish
- 8 p R2 (E Hochédé) retired
- 9 Naviguez Anne Caseneuve (Anne Caseneuve) retired
For more info, visit www.vendee-saintpetersbourg.org
Photos free of rights for media use are available in the press section of the website
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