Good start!
Stephane and I are satisfied with the start we are making in the leading group.
The first course mark to turn is 0.5 miles from our bow and we can reach it in a single tack.
At its height, we turned, starboard tack, in order to highlight our priority against the small pack of competitors behind us. We are now in third place for this brand.
After a few minutes, we took a look in the rear view mirror and were amazed to see that half of the fleet had been stuck in front of the buoy, without the slightest breath of wind to move away.
Fortunately, we maintain our slow speed - and our breath - to escape this windless bubble.
In this escape we are leading, let us recognize that our course does not bring us closer to Sheep Island, the second most important route mark. But we don't dare to tack for fear of stopping our boat.
And back on the road!
And then, after this first hour of calm in the leading trio, the forecasted wind, hoped for, finally comes in, but from behind. As the front passed, a terrible rainstorm without wind fell on us.
The latecomers are back and the fleet is regrouping at Île aux Moutons. A few places won are lost, but no matter what, more competitors is better for the rest of the regatta.
Upwind, sea and wind
After passing south of the Sheep, we head towards Penmarch'. As we progress, the swell increases to 1.5 m, enough to see the other sailboats disappear into the troughs of the waves, and the intermittent rain continues its undermining work.
We wave against a wind and a current of strong waters that rise crescendo.
First 12 knots with gusts to 15 knots, then quickly 20 knots with gusts to 25 knots.
Was it really reasonable to land this solent to be more léger?? Anyway, we have to hold on with the genoa until Penmarch'.
Over there, Cardinal Spineg awaits us, the one who frees us from the upwind and opens the doors of downwind sailing.
