The return of the double deckchair
The double-handed Transat, formerly AG2R, returns in 2021 with a departure from Concarneau in the direction of Saint-Barthélemy. Cancelled last year due to the health crisis and with an uncertain future due to the withdrawal of its 30-year-old partner AG2R, this is good news for the Figaro Bénéteau Class.
The start will take place on 9th May in compliance with the health measures in force in the spring and will therefore take place in duplicate on the Figaro Bénéteau class one-design boats. It will also be a big first for these boats, which will be launched in the spring of 2019, as this will be the first time they will be crossing the Atlantic.
This transatlantic race will therefore be played on equal terms, without stopovers, on a course that is strictly identical to previous years. Setting out from Concarneau, the competitors will have to pass a waypoint in the Canaries near Las Palmas, before heading for the West Indies.
About fifteen registered duets
With more than two months to go before the start, fifteen duets have already been entered, including Martin Le Pape and Yann Eliès (Fondation Stargardt), Tom Laperche and Loïs Berrehar (Bretagne CMB Performance) and Estelle Greck and Laurent Givry (RLC Sailing).
"One transatlantic, that makes rêver?! Crossing the Atlantic in Figaro 3 is a first, and in May it's a first. Keeping this ocean racing DNA within the Figaro Bénéteau class is essential.
For these reasons, with Yann Eliès, we're looking forward to the start of the Transat double-handed race, we have a solid and complementary crew, so we're clearly going for the gagner?!" explains Martin Le Pape.
As for each edition, this race will welcome professionals as well as amateurs, men and women, beginners or confirmed. Who will be the successors of the title holders, Adrien Hardy and Thomas Ruyant, winners in 2018??
