The misadventures of Gauloises II
As the competitors of the 1977/78 Whitbread race start the last leg from Rio to Portsmouth, Eric Loizeau tells the story of the misadventures that happened to Gauloise II during the second leg.
It was while they were attacking the Indian Ocean, 3 days after leaving Cape Town, that the boat, the ex-Pen Duick III, lost its rudder. After a return to port to repair it, a succession of problems followed, both on the boat and on the crew, which required numerous maneuvers.
A testimony of the time
The story told with precision, and the incredible images brought back during this race show the difficulties of life for the poorly equipped and untrained sailors in these cold waters. A testimony that is still breathtaking despite its age.
The shooting also, with cumbersome, not waterproof and mechanical cameras, whose film lasted only a few minutes, also remains a feat. A feat that allows us today to share these moments of anthology.
This race, which lasted 7 months, left its mark on people. It also left its mark on the racers, most of whom will become future ocean racers who will wear the colors of France with brio.
