I'm starting a series of articles to share my Transquadra. I'm at the very beginning, that is to say in preparation.
The Transquadra, what's that? It's the only transatlantic race reserved for amateurs, which can be raced solo or double-handed (personally I opted for the solo).
This transat is done in 2 stages, one in July and the other in February the following year, which remains compatible with my work (I am an executive in the IT department of Orange).
It is also important to be able to manage this project with your family. At 52 years old, I have two children who are now grown up and manage by themselves to finish their schooling. My girlfriend has agreed to let me take part in this regatta, and she will also do some of the double-handed regattas that I will do before the transat.
The regatta in the blood
I've been sailing since I was a child, and I've been competing for many years. I've always done it as an amateur, both for reasons of opportunity, and also to keep sailing as a pleasure.
- I have raced a lot in the micro, a small 5.50m boat where I have won several French and European championships and the World Championship.
- Quite a lot of Grand Surprise, a 9.50 m sailboat, with successes in this one-design series and in company regattas.
- I do match racing where I'm now in the top 150 in the world... at least before confinement.
- I have also done a lot of bigger boats: Tour of Finistère, Tour of the Channel ports, Blue Cruise...
- I've done a bit of ocean racing, including a double-handed Transgascogne on a Mini 6.50.
An accessible racing deckchair
For a change and a new challenge, I've decided to try my hand at single-handed ocean racing on a transatlantic race.
Compared to other deckchairs, the Transquadra has several advantages:
- It is a race compatible with a professional activity, in terms of timing for the regatta as well as for the qualification to be done before. Whereas, for example, a Mini Transat, which is fairly comparable in terms of budget, requires you to be away for several months.
- It is raced on standard 9 to 10 metre boats, which are fairly "affordable".
- And finally, we fight other amateurs, all over 40 years old.
A budget and a boat to find
I'm at the beginning, we have to build and prepare all this. To share this adventure, I'll be doing a series of articles on boat choice, budgeting, preparing the boat and the man, regattas and preparatory training.
Do not hesitate to react, or ask questions. You can find me in the Yacht-Club section of the site .
