Before the start of the race, Armel Le Cléac'h was one of the top favourites. Insiders probably had François Gabart in their sights as a talent. However, hardly anyone expected the 29-year-old skipper to perform so impressively on his debut under the wing of mentor Michel Desjoyeaux. After more than 20,000 nautical miles around the globe, Benjamin has the field well under control among the twelve skippers still in the race. He still had around 4,200 nautical miles to go to the finish line off Les Sables D'Olonne on Saturday. The gap to his rival Armel Le Cléac'h has now grown to over 200 nautical miles
After passing Cape Horn, Gabart bravely opted for an easterly course and has so far been rewarded for his decision. "For me, not much has changed since the start," reported the wave stormer from the sea, "I have the feeling that I haven't changed my approach. I always look for the most direct and fastest route to Les Sables." A concept as simple as it is profitable.
Armel Le Cléac'h, on the other hand, did not want to commit to either west or east after Cape Horn, remained in the centre of the Atlantic and initially lost ground. The "Banque Populaire" skipper himself said: "The Atlantic passage is complex. That's why I decided in favour of a central course, which offers me more options. So I've decided not to make a decision for the time being." The duel between the two compatriots is only likely to become more exciting once they reach the Doldrums. In third place on Saturday evening, Jean-Pierre Dick was a good 500 nautical miles behind leader Gabart with his "Macif". The Brit Alex Thomson on "Hugo Boss" was almost on a par with him for the coveted podium place.
In the meantime, the International Jury has once again confirmed the disqualification of Bernhard Stamm. The Swiss sailor had received diesel at sea anyway and officially retired himself as a result. He still wants to finish the regatta and make the most of the rest of the journey.
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
