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A race run in light airs
A meeting was arranged on the pontoon at Port Camargue to board the Ocean Fifty "Le Rire Médecin-Lamotte", skippered by Luke Berry. For this round, four members of the team are on board, and we are two guests. The weather will be light for this prologue, with forecasts predicting 7-8 knots of SE'ly.
As the multihull was already out at sea trying out its new look, we joined the boat in semi-rigid form. We're each given a self-inflating lifejacket and a helmet.
17 knots in light airs
We're a little lost as we climb aboard this large platform. Skipper Luke Berry greets us with a calm, collected tone. While the trampoline is huge, the cockpit is rather cramped for crewed sailing.
Luke asks us to take up a position next to the helm, at the aft arm. After our arrival, the crew are still busy making adjustments.
The starting procedure is initiated by the committee. We quickly return to the line to begin the pre-start phase. One of the crew takes up a position at the bow to communicate information about the water. The other two crew members adjust the gyro car and headsail settings according to Luke's strategy.
The start is given. Luke chose to start on the right of the line. Nine competitors have lined up on the line, and it's incredible to be in the middle of such a fleet. Despite the light airs, the images are splendid. After three tacks, we reach the windward mark. Within seconds, the gennaker is unfurled.
The crew run around and get busy. We're asked to sit on the front trampoline to improve weight distribution in these very light conditions.
After 1 hour of racing, we crossed the finish line in 6 minutes e position. Whatever the ranking, we're just happy to have sailed a boat capable of reaching 17 knots in these very light conditions.
What's the point of a prologue?
This type of prologue is above all a good opportunity for crews to train and test themselves against the competition. But it also represents a real opportunity for partners or guests to climb aboard and sail these formidable machines.
Ocean Fifty boats, like Class 40s, are great public relations tools. Despite their apparent complexity, these boats remain accessible and comprehensible to any sailor with a basic knowledge of sailing.
"I make sure that every guest gets to take the helm, it leaves incredible memories of piloting a 50-foot trimaran "says Luke.
Looking closely at the smiles on the faces of the guests at the end of the prologue, there's no doubt that everyone will go home with fond memories, and will be back to watch an ocean race start.
