Weather report with meteorologist Pierre Le Roy, before the start of the Route du Rhum, this Wednesday, November 9, 2022.
After a departure postponed for 3 days, what will be the conditions on the line this Wednesday at 2:15 pm?
The skippers will have a westerly wind, so they will have to head for the line. The forecast is for around twenty knots with some light spells. The competitors are going to have to tack to the clearing mark, which will force them to be vigilant when crossing. It's going to be a nice start and a great show.
What are the strategic options they will be able to take?
During the first hours of racing, the competitors will tack along the Breton coast. Then, as they approach the exit of the English Channel, the wind will shift to the left and turn southwest. At this point, the sailors will have to make choices according to the strategy validated in the long term.
There are two options: either go due west or dive south. Competitors looking for more manageable conditions should head south. A route through the North will be shorter, but the wind conditions will be much more muscular.
Two fairly heavy fronts will follow each other, with gusts of around forty knots.
It is up to them to decide how much risk they are willing to accept. But there is a big difference with the pattern that would have taken place if the initial start had been maintained. In the event of a setback, the skippers have a way out to the South.
Is this new weather window favorable for speed?
Yes, the conditions are much better, with a smaller swell. The classic trade wind is setting up on the 2 e part of the course. Everything will be decided during the first week of the race. The routing models predict a course time of less than 7 days for the Ultim fleet and 11 to 12 for the winner in the IMOCA class. Records should be broken.
