An express night run, a dazzling victory
Benoît Marie crossed the finish line in Douarnenez at dawn, after a perfectly negotiated night in variable conditions. Starting out in the leading pack, he sailed within sight of Julien Letissier ( 1069 âeuros Frérots-Branchet ) on the descent to Penmarc'h. But as soon as he got back up to Audierne, his flying Manuard made his presence felt. At the Chaussée de Sein mark, the skipper of Nicomatic âeuros Petit Bateau had built up a 13-14 mile lead over his pursuers, taking advantage of a perfect wind angle to gybe in gliding mode towards the finish.
"1172"1773"1341"1836"1367"1838"1513"2152"1766"2154" I managed to keep up a good pace without pushing too hard, and the boat glided along nicely he declared at the finish. At an average speed of 15 knots over the final miles, Benoît Marie once again proved that he's the prototyping powerhouse of the moment.
A fourth win in a row, a rise to power
This victory in the Trophée MAP adds to an already impressive series this season: Mini en Mai, Pornichet Select, Plastimo Lorient Mini (which he raced in duo with Caroline Boule). Four races, four victories: a remarkable clean sweep in a very tough calendar.
This is not only a technical achievement, but also a strategic step forward in the run-up to the Mini Fastnet, scheduled to start on June 15. The double-handed event will be another opportunity for the sailor to fine-tune his settings with a view to his major objective: the Mini Transat 2025.
Behind him, a great battle for the podium
Despite the gap, the battle for the top places was fierce. Julien Letissier finished second in 22 h 09 min 42 s, once again proving his consistency and mastery of his Raison plan. Basile Gautier, on his Lombard plan Nass & Wind âeuros les EDG has climbed to third place, consolidating its steady progress since the start of the season.
Paul Cousin, the undisputed series leader
In the Series class, the race was closer but just as impressive. Paul Cousin, on the Maxi 6.50 n°981 Biocombustibles Group won the race in 22 h 29 min 10 s, confirming his position as favourite. Already winner of the Pornichet Select and Plastimo Lorient Mini the young skipper is charting a clear course through the first half of the season.
Very consistent, technically sound and strategic, he was able to create enough of a gap to hold off his pursuers in the closing stages.
Tense duel for second place in series
The battle for second place in the Serie animated the end of the race. In the end, it was Deniz Bagci ( 968 âeuros Jules âeuros Sponsor Wanted ), who beat Amaury Guérin ( 996 âeuros Satov Group ), who came back strongly in the final climb. This mano-a-mano proves once again that the Series class, while less spectacular than the protos, is no less intense and strategic.
