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La Solitaire du Figaro 2011
www.lasolitaire.com -Übersicht
Tuesday, July 26th 2011
Perros-Guirec bursting with activity
The picture perfect town of Perros-Guirec in Northern Brittany has been a
hive of activity since the Solitaire du Figaro race village opened and boats
arrived last Saturday. The marina is full with the skippers making final
preparations to their boats and the Race Village is bursting with activity.
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Final security and measurement checks are being made, moments of rest and
concentration for others as they plan ahead to the Eric Bompard Cachemire
Prologue race, scheduled for Friday 28th at 17:30.
On the racing front:
All 47 skippers, from first time participants to experienced aficionados,
took part in the welcome briefing held yesterday before completing
registration and the compulsory measurement and safety checks.
“We’ve already checked twenty boats, measured 13 genoas and 11 jibs”,
explained Michel Perrouin, the event measurer, this morning. There are 9
volunteers and 3 professionals who still have a busy schedule inspecting the
50 odd sets of safety equipment on each of the competing Figaros. They
have to brand the boats, ensure that the Eric Bompard Cachemire sponsor’s
stickers on all the fore-sails (genoas and jibs), and verify the onboard
communications instruments (VHF, AIS). Measurers, organisers, technical team
all have to work in strict co-operation in order to ensure the skippers
safely and provide for the best possible racing which starts next Sunday,
31st July.
Jacques Caräes, Race Director said: “We had a very good day yesterday. I’m
happy to see that the registration process took only 24 hours, confirming
how professional and organised our sailors are, especially in supplying the
appropriate documents. The Figaro Bénéteau Class is a well-oiled machine and
the competitors are more and more prepared, which gives us room to proceed
quickly and be ready for racing.”
Oswen Lefoll, shore manager of the Baie de Saint-Brieuc three-boats team
says: “There is still a lot to do with the measuring and some final details
to be checked on the boats. The skippers are experienced which makes it
easier to get to the start well prepared. indexly there are those last minute
needs to cater too such as ensuring they all have what they wish to have on
board. We try and give them space and time to relax and unwind before the
start so they can focus on the weather and routing.”
What the skippers have to say:
Sam Goodchild (Artemis) from the UK and youngest competitor and first time
participation: “Right now I am not too stressed...pretty relaxed and happy!
I should be ready and I can't wait to get racing. I might go out for a sail
to try and tweak a few things, but am pretty confident that the boat is
ready. It is the first time I will compete on such a big event and am sure
the pressure will start mounting soon...I must say that there is a really
big following of the event and sailing in France, with a good race village,
organisation and it really is great.”
Frédéric Rivet (Vendée 1): “We have fished all the security check and the
boat it pretty much reach so I have started to look at the weather forecasts
to see what kind of conditions we can expect on the first leg. Looks like
it could be really light! I am happy to be back for this 42nd edition of
the Figaro!”
Alexis Littoz-Baritel (Savoie Mont Blanc): “I was here last year as a boat
hand or preparateur working for a boat and then with my mind set on
competing for the 42nd edition of La Solitaire. I have managed to do all I
set out to do in terms of preparation and sailing, despite the little time I
have had since getting my boat. I am really into it and can't wait to get
going and seeing what it is all like. To be honest, I am also a little
apprehensive as there is an element of the unknown out there, but all in all
I am pretty ready to leave; it has been ages that I have been wanting to do
it and been thinking about it...The aim is to reach the Radio France mark
(first mark of the race)! As a match racer, I hope to have good starts and
try and get to one of the first marks in the lead.”
Come discover the Eric Bompard Cachemire stand…
There is a selection of Eric Bompard Cachemire models on the race village
stand: lovely sweaters, hats and scarfs in natural tones of navy, grey and
cream. To celebrate partnering with the Solitaire du Figaro, Eric Bompard
has designed six exclusive models in 100% cashmere for men and women. The
designs include crew neck in Cream and Navy, the Maxi striped sweater in
navy or cream and the very fine v-neck in navy and in grey.
You too can take part in La Solitaire du Figaro!
For the fifth year running, Virtual Regatta gives website followers the
chance of competing on the Summer event. Over 5,000 competitors have
entered so far. No time to waster, register now to race:
http://www.virtualregatta.com
Encourage the skippers
You can send your support and encouragement to the solo sailors on the
website in the skipper's section:
http://www.lasolitaire.com/contactskipper/
Sabina Mollart-Rogerson –
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