While the field is trying to avoid colliding with the busy commercial shipping traffic and the countless fishing boats just before Cape Finisterre in light winds, some of which are well below 10 knots, it is important to position yourself: Where and when does the skipper plan to pass the storm front with winds of around 40 knots?
The fast boats have already turned to a westerly course during the night and are now sailing towards the cold front. The group around Thomas Ruyant ("Linked Out") and Armel Tripon ("L'Occitane") in the far north is already in the wind, which is about five knots stronger further west. The most southerly group is around "Charal" (Jérémie Beyou), "Apivia" (Charlie Dalin) and "PRB" (Kevin Escoffier), but they are sailing in weaker winds and are further east. The big loser of the calm night seems to be "Corum", whose skipper Nicolas Troussel has sailed close inshore and is now bobbing in the doldrums. But perhaps a group is forming there, trying to sail a riskier course closer to the coast and thus save a lot of miles.
Boris Herrmann is very well placed in the middle between the two groups together with "Arkéa Paprec" (Sébastien Simon), "Hugo Boss" (Alex Thomson) and "Banque Populaire" (Clarisse Crémer). All three groups will now sail into increasingly strong winds throughout the day, with gales of around 40 knots and swells of around five metres expected towards the evening.
Yesterday evening, YACHT sent the German five questions, which he answered by voicemail.
1. are you already fully on board and in the race?
2. what do you miss most?
3. what was the strongest moment at the start?
4. what is your plan for passing the cold front? - Close your eyes and go through or be careful?
5. does the ranking so far meet your expectations? Who or what has surprised you?
To listen to Boris' answers, click on the play button
Andreas Fritsch
Editor Travel
