Act 3 in Pornichet for a confirmed overall leader
On July 9, it was time for the coastal course with a start at 1:30 p.m. for an out-and-back loop along the beach between Pornichet and the Pointe du Croisic. And once again, it was Groupama that took the win. Already the leader in the general ranking since its double win in Fécamp, Groupama has consolidated its lead here. With a 6.24 minute deficit, Beijaflore took second place and Spindrift completed the podium.
The second day of Act 3 was dedicated to the water stadium course. The spectators had a front row seat as the races were held right in front of the beach, near the village. The start took place at 1:30 pm for the qualifying courses. The Gold and Silver finals followed, starting at 3:30 pm.
And it was CombiWest that won this course in the nautical stadium, taking second place in the overall classification. Behind Groupama, provisional leader of the Tour de France à la Voile, he is ahead of Grandeur Nature Verandas. And it is a local skipper who won this victory since Frédéric Guilmin lives 800 m from where the paddocks were installed. Spindrift, which finished eighth in this event, slipped to fourth place overall.
Act 4 of Roscoff, the flight of Spindrift
This Saturday, July 11, the crews of the Tour de France à la Voile took up residence in Roscoff for Act 4. The coastal raid, which started at 1:00 pm, consisted of a 36-mile loop starting from the Roscoff marina. The boats sailed around the island of Batz, crossed the bay of Morlaix and turned an anchor buoy off Trébeurden. All this under a great sun.
And it was Spindrift that won the Roscoff coastal race. The black Diam 24 won ahead of Groupama and Grandeur Nature Vérandas. It does not call into question Groupama's leadership in the general ranking.
Sunday, July 12 was dedicated to the regattas in the nautical stadium, taking place in front of the marina's seawall. With a first victory in the coastal raid in Act 4, Spindrift repeats in the nautical stadium. Despite a collision with Prince de Bretagne during the final, the black Diam 24 flew over Morlaix Bay. It benefited from a compensation equal to its grand slam in the qualification phase.
Despite Cammas taking the helm at the head of Groupama, it was not enough to upset the crew of François Morvan, Fred Moreau and Thierry Douillard. Indeed, the Franco-Swiss team took all four victories, to the nose of Groupama.
Groupama remains the overall leader, just ahead of Spindrift and CombiWest.
A duel of stables at the top
This battle between the two high-level teams was expected, as both are found on all types of waters. While Groupama has announced its participation in the next America's Cup, is taking part in the Tour de France à la Voile and is supporting the tandem of Franck Cammas and Sophie de Turckheim in their quest for an Olympic passport in the Nacra 17 (the only mixed boat in the Olympics), Spindrift is outbid. The team is preparing for the Jules Verne Trophy, hopes to win the Tour de France à la Voile and is racing in the D35.
