The start of the Route du Rhum, a solo transatlantic race, which was to be given on Sunday in Saint-Malo bound for Guadeloupe, has been postponed "to Tuesday or Wednesday" due to the weather, the organizers announced on Saturday November 5. .
"Due to the weather conditions expected in the first hours of the race (...), in particular the passage of a very violent depression, accompanied by very strong seas", the organizers have decided to postpone the start to "Tuesday 8 November or Wednesday, November 9", is it specified in a press release.
The announcement was made after a weather briefing provided to the 138 sailors taking part in this prestigious race, which has taken place every four years since 1978. "It is a good decision which aims to optimize the security of the fleet. and the best possible conditions for the sporting success of the event, for the sailors and the general public", estimated the organizers.
For several days, concern had been mounting on the pontoons of Saint-Malo among the sailors involved, a mixture of amateurs and professionals, when the degraded weather conditions announced after the start.
The race management justifies this decision by "a very strong swell raised by tropical storm Martin".
"Seven meters of hollow are expected in the Channel from Monday. It is in particular the timing of the passage of this phenomenon which makes the situation even more complex, leaving no alternative route to escape to the south in safety", is it further explained in the press release.
This 12th edition promises to be spectacular with a record participation of 138 boats.
Of the 138 skippers at the start, eight are setting sail aboard Ultim, these majestic 32-meter-long maxi-trimarans, stars of the crossing, which can reach up to fifty knots on the water (93 kph)
With AFP
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