From the Ocean Fifty dock in Lorient

The reactions on the pontoons in Lorient La Base

Solidaires en Peloton - Thibaut Vauchel-Camus: “The first two hours of racing were magnificent. I think it is the first time I have had so little sail up at the start: two times with reefs in J3 in gusts of 40 knots. This first leg gave us the opportunity to sail and test various sail configurations. We also did a few odd jobs and are pleased now to be able to look at that ashore rather than at sea. We got the timing right in the Alderney Race. We then decided to head down to the south of Jersey to shelter from the worst conditions and take advantage of the best current. We always sailed cautiously with the daggerboard up at the start until Barfleur, which meant it wasn’t very comfortable at the helm, but at least, we were safe. There was an impressive moment in the Sein tidal race towards Audierne, when we got a squall. We were pleased to have taken in a reef. We were in warm-up mode. This was a chance to discover some demanding conditions when racing and close to each other. We can feel confident about the future. In any case, we’re pleased to be out of the Channel and really feel like we are underway.”

Quentin Vlamynck: “This was a good form of training, a good warm-up. Now we can get some rest and wait for the right moment to set off again. The boat is very demanding, but we can deal with her to get the most out of her. We don’t yet know what the course will be, but it is all good for how we feel. In terms of strategy, we had to change everything yesterday morning. The idea was to do a quick trip in conjunction with our weather unit, which includes Eric Mas and Fred Duthil.”

Le Rire Médecin – Lamotte:  Luke Berry: “The short 24-hour format is something we are starting to learn about around Brittany. It doesn’t mean much in the rankings, but we’re pleased to be second. We sailed well from the start. In 35 knots the boat and crew can do well, but when the wind drops off, the newer boats gain the advantage. We went for a few options around Jersey, which allowed us to extend our lead. We went through all the sails in 15 to 45 knots.  We are pleased now to be in port and sheltered for a few days.”

Antoine Joubert: “We’re quite used to this 24-hour format, so didn’t call up the routers. We didn’t give it the same attention as if we were setting off for the whole fortnight of racing. We wouldn’t have managed more than three days like this with no sleep. We’ve only been sailing on this boat for six months, so it’s great that e were within an hour of the winners after 24 hours of racing.”