François Gabart has completed his solo round-the-world voyage this Sunday, December 17, 2017. An incredible feat, achieved in 42 days, 16 hours 40 minutes and 35 seconds. That's 6 days 10 hours 23 minutes and 53 seconds less than Thomas Coville, who had already clocked an exceptional time in 2016 .
It was at 2:45 am, in the middle of the night, that the skipper crossed the finish line, situated between Cap Lizard and Ushant. But it was not until daybreak that the sailor reached the port of Brest. A triumphant and impressive finish which we were able to witness at the front posts.
8 h 30. Meeting in the port of Brest aboard the catamaran Nautitech Open 40, from Erwan, skipper of Catavoile 29 . Next to us, another splendid Ultim' Spindrift 2, on standby for the Jules Verne Trophy . On our catamaran, we are about fifteen people with very varied profiles, young or not so young (6 years old for the youngest), sailing or not... But with the same desire, we all join Macif and accompany him to his pontoon.
We set out to meet him at the end of the Narrows, off Camaret. The weather is fine, the sea is pleasant and we can't wait to meet Macif! At this hour, we are almost alone to leave Brest with a splendid sunrise, we take advantage of this quietude before diving into the crowd..
Then, in the distance, we see this big blue and white carbon bird coming at us, accompanied by a crowd of RIBs and small follower boats. Quickly, we let it arrive at our level before rushing in its wake. It's magical!
Around us, there are 70 boats of all types - and even a pirogue! -but mostly motorboats. It's really impressive to see so many people on the water: passenger launches, open hulls, sailing boats, catamarans, fishing boats... As if the whole of Brest harbour had gathered there, for a beautiful popular event which attracts crowds! Not to mention the two helicopters flying over us!
But it's also so impressive to see Macif sailing alongside us. We had already had the opportunity to set foot on board, but sailing is a different story. With its 35-metre high mast, fitted with a mainsail that he only lowered when he arrived at the entrance to the port, this 30-metre giant is majestic, even at low speed. But above all, you feel very small at her side, especially when you see her skipper on her nets.
On the water, admirers and the curious aren't the only ones, as François Gabart is also joined by sailor friends such as Samantha Davies and Romain Attanasio or Michel Desjoyeaux. But also his router, Jean-Yves Bernot, climbed aboard in a big hug. The invisible man, but indispensable to the success of this round the world voyage! Other skippers - recently discovered on the Mini Transat, such as Stan Thuret or Clarisse Cremer, were also there to celebrate.
For two hours, we accompany the trimaran up the Narrows. A moment full of emotion! And François Gabart plays the game. He rarely leaves the deck - except to join a RIB aboard which his family is aboard - and waves at the boats around.
As he approached the port of Brest, he turned on his hazard lights and put on a show to the cheers of the crowd! The quays are black with people! The arrival of François Gabart is an event not to be missed on Sunday 17 December 2017! The man has just accomplished a feat, which delights both sailors and the general public! The Abeille Bourbon, the harbour's ocean-going tugboat, is also present, throwing her wreaths of water to salute the performance.
Back in Brest, around 11:00 a.m., Macif was towed backwards by RIBs to its location on the pontoon of honour, Quai Malbert, which usually houses La Recouvrance, moored for the occasion next to Spindrift 2.
The Trophy is then presented on a stage temporarily installed on the quays. The crowd was large - several thousand people - cheering the new solo round-the-world record holder. He greeted and thanked them, but it's already time to go home... It was a great experience, lived up close and Bateaux.com hopes you enjoyed it!
Photo credits : Bateaux.com
