Kevin Escoffier was only able to witness the stage victory of the American team 11th Hour Racing, which reached Newport half an hour ahead of Team Malizia after a thrilling duel, as a spectator. When the US team arrived, the French Ocean Race leader was on the dock to congratulate Charlie Enright and his crew. The Imoca "Holcim-PRB" is still on its way to Newport after breaking its mast on 27 April.
The countdown to "Mission possible" continues for the Swiss team on land. The goal remains to arrive on time at the starting line for the double-rated fifth leg on 21 May at 2.15 p.m. local time (8.15 p.m. German time). Kevin Escoffier knows that the schedule is tight and that there can be no setbacks in the carefully planned logistics.
Four days for the "wedding" of Team Holcim-PRB's mast and boat
The first good news of the week for Holcim-PRB came on 10 May, when the replacement pylon arrived from Lorient in the USA. It is now being prepared by the team of experts. The freighter with the Imoca on board is due to arrive in Newport a week later on 17 May. The Escoffier team will then have four days to get Holcim-PRB ready for the race.
At the same time, the Swiss Ocean Race favourites are preparing for the sporting challenge of the transatlantic leg to the Danish sailing stronghold of Aarhus. Which is why Kevin Escoffier has chosen some veritable comrades-in-arms for the doubly valuable 3500 nautical mile points chase back to Europe. The most prominent newcomer is Ocean Race winner and Gitana helmsman Charles Caudrelier. Escoffier and Caudrelier had already finished third together in the 2014/2015 Ocean Race and roared to victory side by side in the 13th edition with the Dongfeng Race Team in 2017/2018. There are worse omens for another co-production.
The "A-Team" should bring back success for Holcim-PRB
Returning to the team are Abby Ehler on her fourth circumnavigation and Sam Goodchild. Yann Riou, an experienced reporter, is once again part of this promising team. Kevin Escoffier has deliberately brought his strongest and most experienced team members on board for the European Ocean Race final: "My idea was to reunite the core of the crew for this leg."
Escoffier explained in more detail: "Sam Goodchild returns after sailing on his Imoca and recovering a bit. Abby comes back in great shape and as motivated as ever. Tom has embarked on his own project and was no longer available. That's why I've turned to Charles Caudrelier, who will be on board as helmsman."
We both have a passion for technology and performance." Kevin Escoffier about Charles Caudrelier
Escoffier is delighted to be reunited with Ultim maestro Charles Caudrelier: "I know him very well, he is highly motivated and has a lot of experience with the Ocean Race. We communicate well with each other. And he can contribute a lot to the boat's performance. I think we both have a passion for technology and performance. We are also fully committed to the sport. I really appreciate that. We've already started looking at the weather and discussing autopilot settings and polars..."
Kevin Escoffier will leave Newport with an outstanding team and looks very determined to get back to winning ways on his comeback after the setback on stage four. "We are starting again. But even though we couldn't finish the last leg, our lead was comfortable enough to defend the lead in the Ocean Race. We're only just over halfway through the race. And the pace will continue to increase. I know that from experience. So we have to stay focussed," explains the skipper.
We will have to play on the ice edge, not far from Newfoundland. It will be a very interesting stage." Kevin Escoffier
The fifth leg of The Ocean Race, covering 3,500 nautical miles, promises to be intense. Escoffier's forecast: "I expect it to be cold. This is a leg that we don't often do. I have already made several transatlantic crossings in this direction, but always with France as the destination. The journey to Denmark takes us through the north of the British Isles. This completely changes the game in terms of weather strategy and is something new for me. We will have to play on the ice edge, not far from Newfoundland. That will be a very interesting leg."
Boris Herrmann, who is rejoining his team Malizia for the fifth leg and will skipper the team to Europe, agrees: "Now it's getting really exciting. We'll sail close to the wind and go all out." Only one point separates his team and the US team 11th Hour Racing from the leading team Holcim-PRB after four stages. The maximum of ten points that can be scored by a team on stage five has the potential to cause significant changes in the standings.
Welcome to Newport! The highlights of Team Malizia's arrival in the American leg harbour for you to enjoy:
Mast breakage on "Holcim-PRB": Click here for a review of the accident that forced Team Holcim-PRB to abandon the fourth stage:
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
