The start of the 2017 edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre is given from Le Havre on Tuesday, November 5 at 1:35 pm. There are 37 duos ready to compete: 15 Class40s, 6 Multi50s, 13 Imoca boats and 3 Ultimates to reach Salvador de Bahia, the finish destination 10 years ago.
In Class40, 17 boats took the start and throughout the race, 14 leaders followed each other in 17 days of racing. The duel between V and B and Aïna Enfance et Avenir is more than tight and for 3 days, the last one has been in the lead. However, it is Maxime Sorel and his teammate Antoine Carpentier who win with less than 18 minutes of advance on their direct pursuer. V and B also sets two records on this race, that of the distance in 24 hours in Class40 with 377 miles in 24 hours and a reference time improved by 5 days!
The Class40 V and B wins the Transat Jacques Vabre © Jean-Marie Liot / ALeA / TJV2017
In the Multi50 class, six boats will be taking the start. If Erwan Le Roux, skipper of "FenêtréA" is the favorite, it is Lalou Roucayrol wins ! A first victory for his 9th participation!
Out of the 12 IMOCA boats starting in euros, six can win euros, Jean-Pierre-Dick and Yann Eliès on St-Michel Virbac have won a 4th victory in the Transat Jacques Vabre . A first in the history of the Coffee Route.
In the Ultime class, Sodebo led by Thomas Coville and Jean-Luc Néalias euros, considered as the favorites of the race, won by establishing a new record in 7 days 22 h 7 min 27 s . The precedent was held since 2007 by Franck Cammas and Steve Ravussin (Groupama) who completed the course in 10 days and 38 minutes.
