Maxi Edmond de Rothschild and Banque Populaire XI tied on runs
The 1-mile line was anchored across the Groix inlets, between the Pointe du Talut and the Groix coast. The start of the runs was given in a 12-13 knot north-westerly flow. Maxi Edmond de Rothschild started with a starboard tack under full mainsail and J2, clocking 30.7 knots in 1.57 min. SVR-Lazartigue, with the same results, finished tied, proving the homogeneity of the field.
Despite a lighter wind of 6.5 knots at the start of the second session, the four protagonists continued to play the game. On the 3rd lap of the 3rd session, it was difficult to separate the fleet, even Actual, more at ease in light airs. Banque Populaire XI and Maxi Edmond de Rothschild had the same number of best sprints: five out of their respective 12.
A long-awaited victory for Banque Populaire XI
On Saturday, October 1, SVR-Lazartigue, Banque Populaire XI, Actual and Maxi Edmond de Rothschild set off on a 340-mile offshore course. Armel le Cléac'h and Sébastien Josse won the race, crossing the finish line at 9 hours 13 minutes and 32 seconds on Sunday morning, after 21 hours 13 minutes and 32 seconds of racing. The level of competition was high, however, as evidenced by the small gaps between them, promising a Transat Jacques Vabre of fierce competition. Just three minutes and 20 seconds after the winners, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild crossed the finish line. SVR-Lazartigue followed 11 minutes and 31 seconds later.
This podium finish and the small gaps between them confirm the close performances of these Ultims. On the course and at the buoys, each of them passing first at one of the marks.
Armel le Cléac'h explains: "It was intense from start to finish. We knew, given the conditions, that there would be a lot of maneuvering and quite a few sail changes. But very quickly we found ourselves with all three boats in contact, and that lasted right to the end. One go, it's one; one go, it's the other. Gitana had to pass the first mark in the lead, then SVR, and we had to pass the last. It was the right one, because after that we were able to keep the advantage. They kept coming back right to the end. We couldn't give up, and every manoeuvre counted. It's a great satisfaction for the team, it's been a long time since we won a race. It bodes well for the rest of the season."
