Jacques Caraes, the race director, gave an update on Tuesday morning on the difficult conditions experienced by the skippers of the Route du Rhum. But also on the arrival estimates of the first competitors.
Race director Jacques Caraës, as well as the entire team of organizers, closely monitor what is happening at sea in the Bay of Biscay and the Atlantic. "The low front continues its course, it passed this morning on a third of the fleet, with grains of 40-45 knots and a cross swell of 5-6 meters. These conditions make maneuvers difficult and cause regular damage, especially at the level of the autopilots. The sail changes are delicate and that is why we see very strong slaughter. "
Several sailors diverted themselves to stay warm. "Charal (Jérémie Beyou), towed by a tug from Brest, told us to drive to Lorient rather than Brest, Halvard Mabire (Colombre XL) decided to take shelter to preserve his boat which does not belong to him not, he's on his way to Bénodet or Lorient, the three multi rum of Charlie Capelle (Capella Soreal Proludic), Pierrick Tollemer (Resadia) and Gerald Bibot (Zed 7) have turned back to Lorient or La Trinité-sur-Mer, Loïck Peyron (Happy) is heading for the north of Spain, probably in a small port 60 miles west of Gijon, David Ducosson (Air Antilles-Caseneuve Maxi Catamaran) tore his solent. "
In total, says Jacques Caraes, "between those who stopped and those on the way to shelter, there are 36 boats. It should be noted that no sailor has hitherto served us his abandonment. When will they leave? Difficult to know, because a second and a third depression are announced in the middle and at the end of the week. "
And what about the race leader, the Ultimate, and their potential arrival? These are already further south and have almost all avoided depression. " For the first ETAs (estimated arrival time), we are still at six days for the first Ultimate". Do the math: it would mean that Gabart, Le Cléac'h or Joyon should arrive Saturday, or in the night from Saturday to Sunday in Guadeloupe.