Fierce competition
Left on 1 er july 2022 from Concarneau for a 3,500 mile loop in the Atlantic, the Ultim Actual Ultim 3, Banque Populaire XI, Maxi Edmond de Rothschild and Sodebo Ultim 3 were able to test themselves one last time before the start of the Route du Rhum next November.
Undefeated for two or three years, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild led by Charles Caudrelier had to battle with Banque Populaire XI led by Armel le Cléac'h. The latter actually took the lead for a while and the two competitors sailed neck and neck until the finish.
"We spent a night tacking, playing with the wind, moving the boat against the wind and the sea in quite variable conditions. This requires concentration and it keeps the watches busy. Banque Populaire XI is giving us a hard time. It's the first time in two or three years that we've had a competitor who's caused us so many problems. It forced us to outdo ourselves, but we're quite happy with this confrontation", testified Charles Caudrelier on July 6.
A victory on the line
The suspense was therefore at its height and it was impossible to know which of the two competitors would cross the finish line first. In the end, it was the Ultim led by Charles Caudrelier who crossed the finish line in Concarneau this Thursday, July 7, 2022 at 18 hours 28 minutes and 38 seconds. He was quickly joined by Banque Populaire XI at 18 hours 54 minutes and 40 seconds, only 26 minutes after the first.
Although he did not participate in the race, as his trimaran is still not approved by the Ultim Class, François Gabart was present on the race course. A way to show that the skipper of SVR Lazartigue can be counted on. Let's hope that he will participate in the Route du Rhum, so that the game can open up a little more between the different Ultims.
The crew of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild
- Charles Caudrelier, skipper
- Morgan Lagravière
- David Boileau
- Franck Cammas
- Erwan Israel
- Yann Riou
The crew of Banque Populair XI
- Armel Le Cléac'h, skipper
- Sébastien Josse
- Thierry Chabagny
- Pierre-Emmanuel Hérissé
- Ronan Lucas
- Quentin Ponroy
