Pascal Bidégorry Dongfeng Race Team :
"We'll have light airs at the start with a bit of a thermal breeze. It will be a bit like today. We will then approach a front in the Alboran Sea and behind it, we will have at least 25 knots, it can go up to 28 before easing off as we approach Gibraltar. It's not with conditions like that that we're going to break any speed records between Alicante and Cape Town. In the Mediterranean, you have to be careful not to get stuck in a windless area. After Gibraltar, it can only go forward, so you have to sail well from the start
Kevin Escoffier, Dongfeng Race Team:
"It's a pleasure, I can't wait to get out on the water and compete with the others! We're going to start with fairly light conditions, 10 to 12 knots and we'll have a small front to negotiate tonight.
It is a first key passage because those who are going to touch the front are going to leave from the front, close to the front, with 20 âeuros 25 knots in the Alboran Sea. We will turn near the African coast. After Gilbraltar, we should go along the African coasts to pass, close by, between the Canaries and the land.
It's not a too violent start. We're not going to break any speed records as far as the Canaries, but that's how it is. The aim of the game is to stay in contact, not to take too many risks. The aim of the game is to stay in contact, that's the competition. We'll see how it goes.
If ever it's not fantastic on the first stage, we'll have plenty of time to make up for it. If it's good, it will be a good sign. With the team we have, we will be able to hold on for the duration. The race is very long, you can't play it all on one stage, especially the first one."
Charles Caudrelier, Dongfeng Race Team:
"The weather is not too violent to start, it's pretty good. It's a bit soft, there will be traps. After Gibraltar, the choices are not clear. The route is fairly direct, we're not losing too much time in the Mediterranean, but we're not heading for a very fast start in the North Atlantic."
Anthony Marchand, MAPFRE:
Â??I had a little trouble getting to sleep last night but afterwards I slept great. The pressure is not really on yet. We'll see when we get on the water.â Often, the departure procedure is a bit late and that's when the pressure comes. I'm looking forward to getting on the water. We will isolate ourselves, we will be in team mode. I'm especially looking forward to passing Gibraltar. Because it's not going to be easy to get there. Boats, current, a lot of complicated things to manage, things that float in the water âeuros¦. This first part can be wearing, tiring. Afterwards, we will arrive more in offshore mode. It will be fun! Â"
Nicolas Lunven, MAPFRE:
"I can't wait to be gone. There is always the stress of the start, to make sure I haven't forgotten anything. The beginning of the race is not going to be easy so I'm also looking forward to passing Gibraltar. The intensity of the start is lower with a crew than solo. You rely more on the others. The stress is more diffused in the team. It's very, very different."
Michel Desjoyeaux, MAPFRE:
"It's a great day. The whole team is ready and even the boat, I hope. We have great supporters from all over Spain, the atmosphere is fabulous, we are enjoying it all. It will be a long story because it will not be easy to get out of the Mediterranean. We have to be confident in the crew and in the boat to take the right options.
If we don't know what to do, we'll try to stay with the others to learn as much as possible. We haven't sailed against each other much so far. We have a lot to learn in this first leg. The goal is not to win the first leg but to finish ahead of the second in Gothenburg in nine months. We have to do everything to progress and we are working hard for that."
