Monday 24 April 2017: Pierre Quiroga takes the lead in the standings
The Solo Maître Coq started on Monday 24th April 2017 in the bay of Les Sables d'Olonne. This first day took the 40 Figaro racers on coastal courses raced in less than ten knots and won in turn by Alexis Loison (Custo Pol) and Pierre Quiroga (Skipper Espoir CEM). In the general ranking before the jury, the latter took first place, a few points ahead of Nicolas Lunven (Generali) and Jérémie Beyou (Charal). As for the newcomers, Pierre Rhimbault (Bretagne CMB Espoir) was in the lead of the new entrants to the French Elite Ocean Racing Championship.
"On a day like this, it's very, very, very nice. Yesterday in my newsletter I said: 'Do what you have to do, do what you know how to do, don't over-play and see where it takes you.' So I'm very happy to have sailed well today. I have a small advantage in light winds because in the Mediterranean we train at 90% in 8-12 knots. And then I put on new sails, I was in good conditions and it's been a great day. When you sail alongside Beyou, Eliès, Lunven... the key is to try to be more than perfect, to be above your usual level and that's something I've been a bit reluctant to do. I rather said to myself about the simple maneuvers, the simple investments, the strategy too and finally it paid off! Today I feel like I had a simple but well done day so that's good. Even if I am in the lead in the general standings, I am lucid and I know that there will be more complicated days between tomorrow's courses and the big race on Thursday" says Pierre Quiroga (Skipper Espoir CEM).
Tuesday 25 April: Only one race and always the same leader
Change of scenery on the Solo Maître CoQ on this second day of competition in the bay of Les Sables d'Olonne. After yesterday's bright sunshine and ten knots of wind, the greyness and more sporty sailing conditions have livened up the playground for the fleet of 40 Figaro sailors.
On zone the NE'ly wind of around ten knots, which was blowing in the morning, quickly picked up speed in the early afternoon, reaching an average of 20-25 knots, or even more in the gusts.
At the end of this second act, only one coastal course was launched and won by Adrien Hardy from Nantes (Agir Recouvrement). In the provisional rankings after three races, two Pierre are leading the way: Pierre Quiroga (skipper Espoir CEM) for the overall and Pierre Leboucher in the rookie class. On Wednesday 26th April, the 40 participants in this 14th edition will take advantage of a reserve day to prepare for the big race on Thursday 27th April.
Wednesday, April 26: Day of rest
After two days of coastal sailing, the 40 Figaro sailors rested for a whole day before the big start for a final course of around 350 nautical miles between the islands of Ré, Yeu and Belle-Île. The regattas gave way to sessions at the physiotherapist's, either with late mornings or naps in the early afternoon, a bit of DIY and above all a lot of weather preparation for the final coefficient 3 run.
Photo credits : Christophe Favreau
