News

Pogomen finishes - 12th September 2009

At 12 hours 16 minutes and 7 seconds Pogomen sailed by Francois Champion and Arnaud Herson crossed the finish line of the Royal Western Yacht Club of England to win the Series class of the Barratt Homes UK Mini Fastnet 6.50 2009

Well done

James Bremridge
Race Director



Pogomen nearly there - 12th September 2009

After experiencing near gale conditions rounding Land End last night, that slowed Pogomen down considerably, Francois and Arnaud will be able to see Plymouth.

The race committee await their arrival. They will be in time for the prize giving lunch and Pogomen will win the Series title for the Barratt Homes UK Mini Fastnet 6.50 2009.

James Bremridge
Race Director



Solochallenges.com comes second - 11th July 2009

Andrew Wood and David Rawlinson sailing Solochallenges.com (500) crossed the finish line at the Royal Western Yacht Club of England at 18 hours 21 minutes and 07 seconds on the 11th July 2009. There overall time for the Barratt Homes UK Mini Fastnet 6.50 2009 was 6 days 3 hours 33 minutes and 7 seconds.

Pogomen is 87 miles from the finish. The wind is going to go back into the South West and moderating. We are hoping to see them in time for the prize giving at lunch time tomorrow.

James Bremridge
Race Director



Interface Concept Wins 11th July 2009

At 15hrs 53mins 21 secs BST Interface Concept sailed by Xavier Haize and Simon Moriceau crossed the finish line at the Royal Western Yacht Club of England, to win the Barratt Homes UK Mini Fastnet 6.50 2009 in a time of 6 days 1 hour 5 minutes and 21seconds.

James Bremridge
Race Director



Interface Concept in sight of finish - 1532 BST 11th July 2009

Interface Concept has been spotted entering Plymouth Sound.

James Bremridge
Race Director



Yachts safely home 11th July 2009

The race office has heard from a number of competitors to say they are safely home:
Walilabou II is safely in Pornichet – Hugo is back in Paris studying and Christa has returned to the Netherlands.

Tou Korek – Nicolas Gerard & Frederic Bouillon are safely in Brest.

James Bremridge
Race Director



Bruno Simonnet and El Nono’s Mast 11th July 2009

Bruno Simonnet has taken time out from repairing El Nono to explain to the Race Director what happened to El Nono’s mast.

El Nono (744) and Roxanne (445) raced neck and neck until Portland. After rounding the Needles Fairway El Nono chose to go closer to Portland than Roxanne. Here Bruno and Thomas experienced some waves higher than their second spreader (approximately eight metres). They fell straight off several smaller waves (approximately four metres). During one of these free fall moments the mast moved backwards and forwards and broke the port spreader. Because it was dark Bruno and Thomas did not see the break until morning. Unfortunately it was too late to stop the leeward backstay trapping itself between the loose spreader and the mast. The backstay then cut into the rig.

Bruno and Thomas realised they couldn’t carry on racing and decided to nurse El Nono into Plymouth. After two days work and an expensive bill, Bruno knows that he was lucky not to loose his rig.
You can read more at: http://20anspourunreve.blogspot.com/

James Bremridge
Race Director



Interface Concept takes significant lead – 0930 BST 11th July 2009

Interface Concept has opened up an eleven mile lead on SoloChallenges.com averaging over seven knots for the last twelve hours. This is despite having to beat around Lands End. Their gamble of going East has paid off .From the tracker information available to the race office they appear to have threaded their way inside the Longships as well.

Interface Concept and Solo Challenges are expected to finish sometime this afternoon, with Pogomen arriving in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Race Office



Pogomen turns for home - 2058 BST 10th July 2009

Pogomen (228) sailed by Francois Champion and Arnaud Herson has rounded Cork Fairwary and is headed back across the Celtic Sea.

Solochallanges.com continues to take a more Westerly if slower course than Interface Concept who is averaging 10 knots towards North Cornwall!! Xavier Haize & Simon Moriceau may be gambling on getting to Lands End before the wind heads them, but it is a risky strategy. Will it pay off?

Race Office



Going for Home - 1910 BST 10th July 2009

The return leg across the Celtic Sea is well under way. Interface Concept has an eight mile lead over Solochallenges.com, however Interface Concept is further East and with the wind due to back further during the next twelve hours this could be to Solochallenges.com advantage. Also the tide will play a huge part in this leg as they approach Lands End.

Pogomen is expected to make the turn round Cork Fairway Buoy in the next couple of hours and join the sprint across the Celtic Sea. It is likely that these three competitors have no idea that two of them will win the Barratt Homes UK Mini Fastnet 6.50 2009 in their class. All they have to do is finish and in the case of the protos beat the other boat. It is too close to call, with the lead having changed twice today.

However the wind has one last surprise. It is forecast to continue backing until it is nearly in the South. Not what was wanted. This race is not over yet.

James Bremridge
Race Director



Pogomen rounds Fastnet - 1320 10th July 2009

Just before 1300 BST Pogomen sailed by Francois Champion and Armand Herson rounded Fastnet Rock. In the last few hours they have gained nearly 15 miles on the leaders.

Race Office



Prize giving on Sunday

The prize giving has been delay until 1300 on Sunday 12th July 2009

James Bremridge
Race Director



Solochallenges.com retakes lead - 0800 10th July 2009

The 0800 positions showed that Andrew Wood and David Rowlinson sailing Solochallenges.com (500) had overtaken Xavier Haize and Simon Moriceau on Interface Concept (432). They have a lead of just over a mile.

With 480 miles of the Barratt Homes UK Mini Fastnet 6.50 2009 completed, these two competitors continue to battle within sight of each other. As the wind builds this morning, the speeds will increase. They will both need to take care not to break anything.

Pogomen is expected to round Fastnet Rock just after lunch

Race Office


Wind dies - 0520 BST 10th July 2009

In the last hour, the wind has completely died for Interface Concept (432) and Solochallenges.com (500). The latest weather information show that the breeze should start to build in about two hours

Meanwhile further to the South Pogomen (228) is able to maintain five knots towards Fastnet Rock.

Race Office



Leaders Round Fastnet Rock - 0048 BST 10th July 2009

Interface Concept (432) and Solochallenges.com (500) have rounded Fastnet Rock.

Pogomen (228) still has 65 miles to go

Race Office



Ten miles to Fastnet - 2115 BST 9th October 2009

Interface Concept (432) has pulled out a two mile lead on Solochallenges.com (500) as they close to within ten miles of Fastnet Rock. Both yachts will be setting themselves up for one final tack to take them to the rock. The tide is about to start setting them to the West and will last until just after 0300.

The wind is 7 knots from 290 degrees. The skippers will be glad that they are not experiencing heavy conditions yet they will also be frustrated that there isn’t just a little more wind.

As they round Fastnet Rock, they will hoist their spinnakers For the first time since they rounded the Needles nearly 340 miles ago they will be off the wind and able to relax a little.

Race Office



De L’Espace Pour La Mer departs Plymouth - 1632 BST 9th July 2009

Veronique Loisel and Sigrid Longeau have just sailed out of Plymouth aboard “De L’Espace Pour La Mer” (429), bound for home. The Royal Western Yacht Club wishes them a safe passage and looks forward to their return.

James Bremridge
Race Director



Day Four - 9th July 2009

The Race Office is quiet and probably like you we are watching the trackers avidly.

Forty nine miles to Fastnet, Interface Concept has now taken the lead from Solochallenges.com, but they are less than a mile apart and can see each other. Both yachts have tacked to make best use of the tide and the wind which is expected to start backing into the West this evening. The Yachts will be relieved to come off the wind.

Pogomen has now started working North and as the wind goes West they are ideally place to lay Fastnet.

Race Office



Goodbye - 8th July 2009

The Royal Western Yacht Club, this afternoon said goodbye to: Nicolas Gerard and Frederic Bouillon on Tou Korek (742); Renan Letourneur and Laurent Mermod on Roxanne (445). This evening Conrad Colman departed single handed aboard his yacht for Lorient. Jerry Richards departed by land.

The Race Committee and Royal Western Yacht Club wish them all a safe passage home and look forward to seeing them next year.

James Bremridge
Race Director



The end of day three - 2230 BST 8th July 2009

Solochallenges.com and Interface Concept are trading tacks in the Celtic Sea. As this is written they are just under three miles apart and should be able to see the others navigation lights.

With the wind still in the North West, they will have to beat all the way to Fastnet Rock. In their minds they will be mulling over if they need to tack with each wind shift and what will the other do. The tides will play and important part in their thinking as well.

Both boats will be also focussed on completing the course. To do so means they can think about the Transat. It will be difficult to get the balance right between racing hard and looking after their yachts, especially with another yacht insight.

Meanwhile just over 50 miles behind Pogomen keeps battling onwards. Pogomem is an older series yacht and not as fast, yet Francois and Armand are not getting further behind.

In the Race Office we expect Solochallenges.com and Interface Concept to round Fastnet Rock sometime tomorrow afternoon. Pogomen will probably follow sometime early on Friday morning. The long slog to windward will then be over. They will be able to break out the spinnakers and enjoy the run home. It should take a lot less time than the journey out.

Race Office



Why Tou Korek retired - 8th July 2009

Nicolas and Frederic spoke to the Race Director about why they had to retire from the race.

“On the way to the Needles, with the small spinnaker flying and Tou Korek doing fifteen knots and higher when surfing, Tou Korek went into the back of a wave. The wind speed hit forty knots. The bowsprit went into the wave and broke into three bits with the spinnaker still flying. The spinnaker collapsed and went under Tou Korek. It took over thirty minutes to recover the spinnaker. Tou Korek carried onto the Needles under Solent Jib.”

After the Needles Fairway, Nicolas and Frederic decided to retire into Plymouth. They were tired, wet and hungry. They hope to be back next year.

Race Office

Why “De l’espace pour la mer” retired

“De l’espace pour la mer” arrived in Plymouth yesterday evening at 8:30 pm local time. When they entered Plymouth Sound, the crew asked the race committee to arrange for medical assistance on arrival.

During the first night, the conditions were quite hard (wind blowing up to 35 knots). Veronique Loisel while helming was thrown across the cockpit three times. Large waves that came from different directions and were difficult to see at night, caused Veronique to fall brutally onto the side of the deck. Although it hurt a lot, she checked that nothing was broken and continued to helm “De l’espace pour la mer”. Though in pain it was bearable.

Thirty hours later, although the wind was still blowing up to 28 knots, the sea conditions began to be moderate and Veronique decided to change her sodden clothes. Her left sock was covered in blood and she suddenly understood how badly she might have been injured. When Veronique peeled off her foul weather gear and thermals, she discovered that her leg had been gashed badly.

At the time “De l’espace pour la mer” was in the lead by four miles. Though very disappointed, it did not take long to realise that Veronique and Sigrid needed to retire and get medical assistance. It had been over thirty hours since Veronique had been injured and the wound looked nasty.

When “De l’espace pour la mer” was alongside, Veronique and Sigrid were taken by The Royal Western Yacht Club straight to Hospital. Veronique received very good treatment and her injury was cleaned and stitched.

The Race Director then picked them both up and returned them to the Royal Western Yacht Club, where they were able to have well deserved beers!!! After checking “De l’espace pour la mer” Veronique and Sigrid went to sleep in the dining room.

Race Office



View from the Race Office - 1030 BST 8th July 2009

Yesterday was a busy day for the race. Nine yachts have now retired, for a variety of reasons. All the competitors have said how big the waves were around Portland Bill. The additional 220 miles has taken its toll, but three boats race on and those that have retired are determined to finish next year.

The Race Director thought about shortening the course, but was aware that two of the yachts still out there need to complete the course, so that they meet the qualifying requirements to take part in the Mini Transat. After going through all the weather information the decision was taken to allow the race to continue.

The two lead boats, Solochallenges.com (500) and Interface Concept (432) are within sight of each other. They have just under 150 miles to Fastnet rock and then the downwind ride to the finish in Plymouth can begin. Just over 50 miles behind Pogomen (228) sailed by Francois Champion and Armand Herson need only to finish the course to win the Series Trophy.

Race Office



De L’Espace Pour La Mer retires - 0800 8th July 2009

Veronique Loisel and Sigrid Longeau are safe in Plymouth. They have retired from the race due to an injury. Veronique on arrival in Plymouth was taken to the hospital for a check up. Both Veronique and Sigrid are fine and after a few beers had a good nights sleep.

James Bremridge
Race Director



Roxanne (445)reports - 7th July 2009

Renan Letourneur after 36 hours sailing upwind in tough conditions, decided to retired from the race. We had a long way to go and the boat has to continue the season and finish with the mini Transat; finding the right balance was difficult. Quitting was hard.

However we are really happy with the way we sailed, especially up wind where we were so closed to the prototypes boat. So, overall it was a good experience to tune and test the boat...

Renan Letourneur
Roxanne (445)



Conrad Colman Racing (480) aims for Transat - 7th July 2009

Conrad Colman and Jerry Richards decided to retire after several small equipment failures that could have compromised the safety of the boat. They decided it was better to retire and regroup for the Transat

James Bremridge
Race Director



El Nono (744) damaged rig - 7th July 2009

When Bruno SImonet and Thomas Clerc arrived in Plymouth they announced their retirement to the Race Director. They had damaged the rig of El Nono and were unable to continue. They had done very well to nurse their yacht safely into Plymouth without further damage. Both were very disappointed, but are now safely asleep in a hotel

James Bremridge
Race Director



Conrad Colman Racing (480) returning- 1800 7th July 2009

Conrad Colman has announced that they are returning to Plymouth.
They are near De L’Espace Pour La Mer who are also on their way back having contacted the Coastguard to let us know that both onboard are ok.

Iain Smith
Assistant Race Director


Roxanne (445) and El Nono (744) retire- 1700 7th July 2009

Roxanne and El Nono have both returned safely to Plymouth and have retired.
Details to follow...

Iain Smith
Assistant Race Director


Cyzeart.com(29) retires- 1436 7th July 2009

Imagine the Race Office's suprise when the crew of Cyzerat .com(29) walked into the Royal Western Yacht Club, with their tracker in hand. The yacht is still in Poole, but Kevin Rolfe and Edward Rosner came in person to deliver their tracker and retire.

James Bremridge
Race Director


De L’Espace Pour La Mer returning to Plymouth - 1341 7th July 2009

De L'Espace Pour La Mer (429) has spoken to Falmouth Coastguard and is returning to Plymouth. They require no assistance.

As soon as more information is available we will let you know.

James Bremridge
Race Director


Update - 1330 7th July 2009

De L'Espace Pour La Mer (429) has regained the lead by four miles from Interface Concept (432). Conrad Colman Racing is only just behind.
The wind has started to veer and the yachts further North will have the advantage as they pass the Lizard and head out to Bishop Rock.

Race Office

Wallilabou II leaves Plymouth - 1221 7th July 2009

Wallilabou II (527) has departed Plymouth for Brittany. Over the last two days Hugo has spoken about the decision to retire. He said it can be sum up as “the seven p’s” – planning, preparation and practice, prevents pi** poor performance. Both Hugo and Christa hope to be back next year, possibly on separate boats.

The Royal Western Yacht Club wishes Christa and Hugo safe passage and look forward to their return. They have been great fun to have around.

Race Office

Pimento safely in Plymouth - 1202 7th July 2009

Pimento (143) has arrived safely in Plymouth. George Leicester-Thackara and Frank Colledge have advised the Race Director that they are retiring from the race having broken their bobstay on the first night out.

James Bremridge
Race Director


All change again - 0820 BST 7th July 2009

Overnight the positions have kept changing. Interface Concept (432) has opened up a slight lead in terms of miles to go. However Xavier and Simon are further South than any of the other boats.

The second placed yacht De L’Espace Pour La Mer (429) sailed by Veronique and Sigrid is the furthest North of the lead boats and currently holding second place.

With Conrad Colman Racing (480) and Roxanne (445) taking the middle route, the change in wind direction and tide will now be telling.

The tide is about to turn to the West for the leaders and could carry them nearly all the way to the Lizard nearly fifty miles away. It is the wind that is going to make the biggest difference. With the wind veering to the North West, 429 may be in the best position to get the best wind angle and therefore the most speed.

The leader board will almost certainly change again.

Race Office


Lead Switches Again - 1933 BST 6th July 2009

Veronique Loisel & Sigrid Longeau (429) have taken the lead back from Conrad Colman & Jerry Richards (480) who have slipped to third. Xavier Haize & Simon Moriceau (432) are tied for the lead with (429).

429 & 432 have benefitted from staying well to the South of Portland Bill, compared to those who went closer inshore.

The Battle between Roxanne (445) and El Nono (744)continues with Roxanne currently slightly ahead. However in terms of distance to go only 4 miles separates the first five.

The yachts will converge as they round Start Point. Who will be in front?

James Bremridge
Race Director



Sorry to Pogomem - 1847 BST 6th July 2009

The Race Office in the excitement of the battle at the front of the fleet, missed the rounding of the Needles Fairway Buoy by Pogomem (228) sailed by Francois Champion and Arnaud Herson . This occured at approximately 1500 BST.

This means that all boats still racing have rounded three of the principle marks of the course; Plymouth Western Entrance, Eddystone and Needles Fairway.There are only three left; Bishop Rock, Fastnet Rock and Cork Fairway Buoy. However for the leaders that is about 570 miles

Race Office


Cyzerat.com safe in Poole -1704 BST 6th July 2009

The Race Director has been notified that Cyzerat.com (29) is safely in Poole. They are considering their options.

Meanwhile the race continues apace, with positions changing every hour. At times it is so close the system cannot work out who is leading.

The balance is now between battling the tide and getting the best wind angle. Earlier today the skippers of 552 and 527 with all the computer technology and weather information that is available to us in the Race Office could not work out who had made the best decision.

If Portland Bill has not split the fleet, the next big tidal gate is Start Point and Prawle Point the other side of Lyme Bay.

The wind is moderating and starting to veer at least this will make it easier for the boats who remain.

James Bremridge
Race Director


Technical problems again - 1430 BST 6th July 2009

Sorry the positions have not updated, the internet link went down. Normal service should be resumed shortly.

We have received a position for Pogomen (228) 50o 36’N 001o 49’ W course 081o 9.2 knots.

James Bremridge
Race Director


Cyzerat.com rounds Needles 1320 BST on Monday 6th July 2009.

Kevin Rolfe and Edward Rosner sailing Cyzerat.com (29) have rounded the Needles and are now beating to Bishop Rock

Some of you may have noticed that Solochallenges.com is ranked higher than two other boats despite being a few miles further back. This is because our systems take account of average speed.

Pogomen (228) position has not updated. We are receiving a transmission but the data is corrupt. This sometimes happens if someone sits next to the tracker or there is carbon fibre or metal above it (ie the boom).

James Bremridge
Race Director


Update from the Race Office 1200 BST on Monday 6th July 2009.

We are currently watching a number of yachts with interest.
Conrad Colman Racing (480) has upset someone and apparently he is South of Calais. He is still with the leaders though and we are working to sort the error out.

Tou Korek (742) sailed by Nicolas Gerard and Frederic Bouillon has now rounded the Needles in seventh place.

Pogomen (228) sailed by Francois Champion and Armand Herson appears to be heading into Weymouth Bay. We have had no communication from Pogomen but they are doing over eleven knots, but not towards the Needles. Portland Coastguard are aware that they are there.

There have been a large number of changes at the front, as the boats battle westwards. The challenge now is to clear Portland Bill and get into Lyme Bay before the tide turns on Portland Bill at about 1700 this afternoon. The boats that get this wrong could be held up for over six hours as they battle the tide. This may give the local boats a knowledge advantage.

The Wind for the next few hours will continue to be from the South West averaging 20-25 knots, but with much stronger gusts. It will then veer over the next eighteen hours until it is in the North West at an average of 15 knots.

James Bremridge
Race Director


EOLE Generation GDF – Suez in Plymouth - 1030 BST – 6th July 2009

Sebastien and Dominique have arrived safely in Plymouth. Dominique has complained that he stayed dry all the way to Eddystone but was soaked afterwards going downwind with all the spray.

Sebastien took the decision to retire after two ropes parted. He does not want to damage his boat before the Transat.

James Bremridge
Race Director



Roxanne & El Nono round Needles - 0920 6th July 2009

Between 0800 and 0900 BST Roxanne (445) and El Nono (744) rounded the Needles Fairway Buoy almost together. These two yachts have been locked in what seems like their own private match race.

What makes this interesting is Roxanne is a Pogo 1 and El Nono is a Dingo 2. A Dingo 2 should be faster downwind and upwind. The conditions may be favouring the Pogo 1, but Laurent and Renan on Roxanne must also be pushing hard.


James Bremridge
Race Director


First Three around Needles – 0820 BST 6th July 2009

Between 0700 and 0800 BST the first three Minis round Needles Fairway. In order they were (429 – Proto) De L’Espace Pour La Mer, (432 – Proto) Interface Concept and (480-Series) Conrad Colman Racing.

They now have the difficult task of getting past Portland and into Lyme Bay by 1700. The tide is curently against them, but the big tidal gate at Portland Bill, could change everything.

James Bremridge
Race Director


143 Retires – 0752 BST Monday 6th July 2009

The Royal Western Yacht Club was informed by Portland Coastguard at 0752 BST that Pimento (143) skippered by George Leicester-Thackara and Frank Colledge were retiring and returning to Plymouth.

James Bremridge
Race Director


The First Night – 0720 BST Monday 6th July 2009

What a difference a few hours can make. At 2200 BST on Sunday 552 EOLE Generation GDF-SUEZ (Sebastien Rogues / Dominique Vittet) were leading by six miles from 429 De L’Espace Pour La Mer (Veronique Loisel / Sigrid Longeau). Two hours later Sebastien and Dominique had turned around and were heading back towards Plymouth. Sebastien and Dominique have spoken to Brixham Coastguard and have indicated their intention to retire. At their current rate of progress they should arrive in Plymouth at about 1100 BST.

Meanwhile 429 now has a seven mile lead and is expected to round Needles Fairway at about 0730 BST. Then the long slog to windward to Bishop Rock begins. This is a real test of sailing skill and seamanship, with many tidal gates and weather that is not making their life easy.

In second place Xavier Haize and Simon Moriceau sailing Interface Concept are making good progress and will probably round Needles fairway 45 minutes after 429.

In third place is the leading Series 480 – Conrad Colman Racing sailed by Conrad Colman and Jerry Richards followed by Roxanne (445) – Renan Letourner and Laurent Marmod. A further mile back is El Nono (744) - Bruno Simonnet and Thomas Clerc.

Now lying sixth overall is Solochallenges.com (500) – Andrew Wood and David Rowlinson, who yesterday had to return to Plymouth.

James Bremridge
Race Director


500 Arrives at Eddystone - 2232 BST 5th July 2009

Andrew Wood and David Rowlinson on Solochallenges.com have arrived at the Eddystone Light and our now playing catch up. Despite having to return to Plymouth, there is still a long way to go. When the leaders round the Needles Fairway Buoy tomorrow morning, they will face the challenge of all the tidal gates. One bad decision by the leaders could cost them miles.

Meanwhile out at the front 552 - EOL Generation GDF sailed by Sebastien Rogues and Dominique Vittet is now in front. They are approximately 15 miles East of Start Point.

James Bremridge
Race Director


Technical difficulties. - 2214 BST 5th July 2009

Sorry for the problems with the position reports and maps. We are working on it. The problem is not with the trackers it is with getting the information onto the website. We are still able to monitor the boats positions, speed and headings

Race Committee


Downwind to Needles. - 2100 BST 5th July 2009

The 1900 (BST) position report showed that Veronique Losel and Sigrid Longeau on De L’Espace Pour La Mer (429) had rounded the Eddystone Light in first place.

The 2000 (BST) position report showed that 429 was still in front but that the rest of the pack was chasing hard with speeds of 7 - 14 knots showing. The eighty five miles to the Needles Fairway Buoy will be very quick. It is possible the leaders will be there by 0600 BST on Monday morning.

James Bremridge
Race Director


527 Safe in Plymouth - 2038 5th July 2009

Christa and Hugo have safely returned to Plymouth. They have decided to retire and have promised to explain more for the website tomorrow. They have not suffered any damage, but took the decision to retire for personal reasons.

On the way in they passed Andrew Wood and David Rowlinson on Solochallenges.com leaving. They also spoke to Conrad Colman on Conrad Colman Racing (480). Conrad is apparently having difficulty with his wind instruments, but is trying to fix it and continues to race.

James Bremridge
Race Director


500 on the way, 527 returning. - 1931 BST Sunday 5th July 2009

One hour and seven minutes after arriving Andrew Wood and David Rowlinson turned Solochallenges.com around and headed back out to sea. They had used a lot of sealant which was curing fast, but were confident in their repair. They were last seen heading through the Western Entrance of Plymouth Sound at 1930.

Only half and hour brefore James Bremridge, the Race Director of the Barratt UK Mini Fastnet 6.50 2009 had been speaking to Brixham Coastguard who had been speaking to Hugo Lavayssiere and Christa Ten Brinkle on Wallilabou II. Hugo and Christa have turned back and have now been spotted just outside the Plymouth Breakwater. The Race Director has been informed that they are going to retire, but will wait until he has spoken to them.

James Bremridge
Race Director


Ahhhhh!!!!

Late on Sunday afternoon the Race Director started to relax and then looked out of the window at the Royal Western Yacht Club to see a Classe Mini sail inside Plymouth Sound and going the wrong way!!

A few minutes of patient waiting, a pair of binoculars and a trawl through the safety information that Classe Mini hold on all the yachts, narrowed the yacht down to Mini 500. Solochallenges.com sailed by Andrew Wood and David Rowlinson was on the way back in. By 1748 they were alongside and carrying out repairs to some of the pad eyes around their mast. In an optimistic moment Andrew declared to the Race Director that two hours would see them on their way.

Apologies for not being able to show the positions at the moment we are working on it.

James Bremridge
Race Director



And they're off

Sunday, dawned bright and sunny, but the rain was not long in coming. The last of the shore equipment was stored and then lunch.
The skippers joined the race officials and members of the Royal Western Yacht Club for Sunday lunch of roast pork and roast beef, while the powerboats finished their race.
At 1300 the first of the yachts were towed out. After two had made repairs to their main halyards, the fleet assembled for the start just before 1500. A lap around Plymouth Sound in 12 to 22 knots of wind provided the initial excitement. Two boats were brave enough to fly and then gybe their spinnakers at the downwind mark.
Then it was out though the Western Entrance of Plymouth Sound led by Sebastien Rogues and Dominique Vittet (EOL Generation GDF).
The fleet now will round Eddystone to Port before starting the downwind surf to the Needles.



Final preparations

After a hectic day of last minute checks, purchases and repairs, the skippers and their boats are nearly ready.

During the day every boat completed scrutineering and had a tracker fitted. The trackers will send a position, heading and speed report to the race committee at the Royal Western Yacht Club every hour. The information will be displayed on the website approximately 20 minutes later day and night, until the boats finish.

At 6pm all the skippers assembled in the dining room of the Royal Western Yacht Club for the race briefing. Before heading out of the Western Entrance of Plymouth Sound, the yachts will do a lap of Plymouth Sound. They will start from a committee boat line laid to the South of Mount Batten Breakwater. The lap around Plymouth Sound should show these boats off to their best. Don’t blink when they round the windward mark, you might miss them.

On Sunday morning the skippers will remove any items they no longer need, store the last of their food and water, before having lunch in the Royal Western Yacht Club.

From 1pm the boats will be towed out from Queen Anne’s Battery Marina. Then it will be 720 miles of close ocean racing, where one wrong decision could take a boat from first to last. A good decision could see many places gained.