This year the race did not go north turn the famous Fastnet because of the weather dangerous for boats. The route "south" is nonetheless still play and Fastnet race of the season after leading the Transat 6.50. For this race twice in 600 miles I boarded Nico Bunoust winner in 2001 and 2009. Here's the story ....
Day 1: The start is given in the pouring rain and increasing wind. We pass the storm in upwind with 25 knots in the midfield and we are accelerating quickly to pick up the head of the fleet. The first night we slip quickly in Genaker (sail for the Crosswind), the ship flies above the water and speed rarely drops below 10 knots. The atmosphere is wet, we have our eyes burned with salt water and wind but we are still fully to use the miles that separate us valuable early. Inside there is already water everywhere and the sound becomes deafening. For the record fish came wrapped around a rudder and it took me 10 minutes to clear the shot gaffe.
Day 2: In the morning we pass the island of Yeu in third position. A final section to the BXA (buoy south of the course) allows us to pick the first two. We urge the rise to Sein in good shape. Before us an edge of 209 miles ahead. Knowing that the ships have substantially the same speed, the battle to gain a few meters will be tough.
Day 3: We arrive at the top floor of the breast with 2000 ahead of Macaire but just before the buoy wrapped our bowsprit broke under the pressure of waves. Indeed, the sea became very high and the wind increased to 25 knots. This mechanical failure forces us to a change of piece that makes us lose our lead to hours of arrival.
The finish: we arrive at the top with a few seconds ahead in the bay of Douarnenez. We choose a spinnaker a little bigger than the other for the final. This option pay at the beginning we have been lacking over the last 5 miles as the wind rose is much (due to the effect of rating) and the boat became uncontrollable. We both "bulk" or we run out of losing the mast and behind the two boats go by. We finished third in the first 67 seconds.
I am very pleased with this fantastic three-fight during these three days. As of today if we are to remain the best do commit very few mistakes. The mini level has escalated this year announced that a great battle of the Transat 6.50. It was my last race before the big crossing, I would have liked to win but with 67 seconds apart I saw it as a victory. I was pleasantly surprised to have to start and finish my official fan club (and Nathalie Anne-Sophie) and also their hope that the show was over. It's really great to have a team that follows me and supports me. I had many messages from you, it warms my heart. I think I am the skipper who had the most incentive on the site...
Thank you all!
Davy Beaudart
Skipper Innovea Environnement
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