Saturday, 11 May 2013
1010 4G Match Racing : Williams, Robertson and Tiller on Top after Day One
by Koko Mueller
A minute's silence was observed ahead of this morning's daily briefing in memory of Andrew "Bart" Simpson who tragically lost his life during training on San Francisco Bay ahead of this summer’s America’s Cup. As crews readied their boats for the 1O1O 4G International Match Racing Regatta, black backstay flags were added as a mark of respect before the boats made their way out into Victoria Harbour for the first races of the round robin element.
With all the weather forecasting tools at her disposal, Race Officer, Inge Strompf-Jepsen elected to move away from the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Kellett Island base in order to benefit from the steady 5 to 6kt easterly available in the area to the east of Hung Hom.
The first five flights featured fifteen matches – in effect a ‘mini’ round robin for skippers Williams, Gilmour, Jakobsen, Park, Backe and Lui. Lui had a great start, edging out Gilmour in his first match, however as the overseas skippers got to grips with Hong Kong harbour sailing, their experience started to show and spectators were treated to something of a start tactics masterclass.
One of the most competitive matches was Williams/ Gilmour, with Gilmour incurring a 0.5 point damage penalty for a clash close to the windward mark. At the end of flight 5, the scores stood at;
Williams 5-0
Backe 3-2
Gilmour 3-2 (Pen -0.5)
Park 2-3
Jakobsen 1-4
Lui 1-4
Flight six featured a complete changeover of skippers, allowing the other half of the draw to get some time on the water. The breeze was swinging southwards and softening and by the time flight six was finished, sailors were eyeing up a storm approaching from the west, but there was just enough puff left to run flight seven. At 1500hrs, the RO was forced to display the AP due to reduced visibility, lightning, heavy rain and a lack of wind.
Displaying the L Flag, Strompf-Jepsen roamed the harbour, trying to find some breeze to get the racing underway again, but finally admitted defeat and raised AP over H, allowing the bedraggled competitors to return to the clubhouse.
Waka Racing. Image copyright RHKYC/Lindsay Lyons
At the post-race debriefing, it was confirmed that the scheduled start for Saturday’s racing would be 0930hrs, with a continuation of the round robin. Current scores for the second tranche are;
Robertson 2-0
Tiller 2-0
Soh 1-1
Ericsson 1-1
Seah 0-2
Mead 0-2
America's Cup : Regatta Director Iain Murray to Conduct Review Following Tragic Loss of Artemis Crew Member
by America's Cup media
Regatta Director Iain Murray will lead a review into the events surrounding the capsize of Artemis Racing’s first AC72 and the subsequent tragic death of crewman Andrew Simpson.
During training on San Francisco Bay yesterday, Artemis Racing capsized in winds between 18 and 20 knots. The boat broke apart and Simpson, 36, became trapped.
Support vessels on site rushed to recover the crew from the water and it quickly became apparent that Simpson was missing. After he was retrieved, CPR was administered by trained professionals, both afloat and at the dock, for more than 20 minutes. Approximately 30 minutes after the incident, he was pronounced dead.
“It was less than 24 hours ago when this accident happened and the pain is still very acute for everyone involved. Our condolences go out to Andrew's family and friends, and the members of Artemis Racing,” said Stephen Barclay, chief executive of America’s Cup Event Authority, at a press briefing this morning.
“It’s too early to speculate about the causes of the accident. Iain will conduct the review and will liaise with the San Francisco Police Department and the United States Coast Guard and any other third-party experts as necessary,” Barclay said.
Murray is a veteran ocean racer and America’s Cup sailor, having been part of four America’s Cup campaigns. His knowledge of the sport is thorough and he declined to speculate on the causes, or prejudge the results of the review.
“All we know is that the boat ended up capsized, the hulls upside down, broken in half,” said Murray. “The split seconds from when the boat was sailing upwind to the pictures that we’ve all seen (of the boat turned upside down and broken apart), there’s a gap in there and that’s what we need to fill in and find out what happened.”
Artemis Racing chase boats were assisted in the recovery effort by members of ORACLE TEAM USA, Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa Challenge 2013, all of whom were on site observing the training session.
“This is a tragic reminder of the challenges faced by sailors on the water, whether they’re commercial sailors or recreational or professional sailors,” said Captain Matt Bliven of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, which will liaise with Murray on the review.
“It also underlines the importance of adequate training and proper gear to minimize the impact when something goes wrong. That’s something we’ve consistently seen from the America’s Cup organization and the participating teams – their level of preparation and training to avert these types of mishaps,” Bliven said.
No timetable has been placed on completing the review. The San Francisco Police Department is also conducting its own review as normal procedure when there is loss of life.
“Iain’s going to conduct his review and it’ll be thorough,” said Barclay. “I have every expectation that we will host a spectacular event here in the summer, but I’m not going to prejudge it. Iain will conduct his review and we will see the outcome and recommendations of that.”
Note from SailRaceWin:
It appears that Andrew Simpson was trapped under solid sections of the AC72, out of sight of the many divers and others trying to locate him. It is also understood that the Artemis Racing AC72 was bearing away when the bow dug in and the capsize followed, although the full sequence of events is not yet known.
Further to the comments from the US Coast Guard, the sailing community in Lorient, France, received a shock in late April when "Grain de Soleil", a yacht from Lorient, sent out a distress signal 600nm southwest of the Azores. No trace has been found of the yacht or the three people on board at the time. Official searches have now been called off, but the family and friends of the missing sailors are continuing their own searches with aid from the local community and Cheminees Poujoulat, as reported earlier by SailRaceWin, amongst other organisations.
While there are inherent dangers in sailing, as with other sports, the fact remains that many more people are killed on the roads on a daily basis.
America's Cup
EUROSAF Garda Trentino Week : Light Winds Limit Racing on Day Three
by Craig Heydon
Light winds have kept a number of classes on shore on day three of the EUROSAF Champions Sailing Cup on Lake Garda in Italy.
While the conditions kept the Laser, 470 and RS:X classes on shore Australians were in action in the Nacra 17 and Finn classes on another part of the lake.
Jason Waterhouse and Lisa Darmanin continue to be the leading Australians in the new Nacra 17 class, picking up their first race win as they finished the day fifth overall.
Waterhouse and Darmanin were fifth in the opening race of the day, before winning race two, finishing eighth in race three and fourth in race four, to be four points off a podium position with two days remaining.
“Day three was a really consistent day for us as we made the most of the breeze and the race committee smashed out four races to catch up for yesterday,” said Waterhouse. “We were very happy with our results, especially the bullet which gave us a big smile as we crossed the finish line.
“The boat felt fantastic and we tinkered with our rake set up and the boat now has way more power,” he said. “We were all very saddened to hear the news of Andrew Simpson and our thoughts go out to his family and friends today as well as the whole Artemis team.”
Euan McNicol and Lucinda Whitty are currently 11th in their first Nacra 17 regatta, finishing Friday’s four races with a 15th, 13th, 10th and a ninth.
“We had another great day of sailing on Garda, it was rainy with a chilly northerly wind between eight and 13 knots, by the post race pasta was very nice,” said McNicol. “Today was again another good opportunity to learn the boats and sail in a different breeze strength for the first time. We’re looking forward to more wind tomorrow and hopefully it won’t be too cold.”
Fellow multihull sailors Josh McKnight and Nina Curtis have moved into 13th overall following their best day of racing so far.
McKnight and Curtis were 11th in the day’s first race, before finishing race two in ninth and rounding Friday out with a pair of sevenths.
Oliver Tweddell worked his way back up the Finn leader board on Friday, ending the day in 11th overall.
Tweddell began the day with a third, before finishing 16th and 18th in the other two, to be two points a position in the medal race with four fleet races remaining.
“Today was a better day on the water for me, we had a light northerly breeze which enabled us to get racing after a few hours delay,” said Tweddell. “I had a great first race and then a few mistakes in the other two, but overall had a pretty consistent day. I’m looking forward to four races tomorrow.”
Fellow Australian Jake Lilley is currently 24th overall, with Dirk Seret 54th.
With no racing possible for the Laser fleet Tom Burton continues to lead overall, with Ryan Palk in fifth. Matthew Wearn is one point outside the top 10 in 11th, with Luke Elliott 25th and Jared West currently 11th in the silver fleet.
Matthew and Robert Crawford are third in the 470 men, with Elise Rechichi and Sarah Cook sixth and Sasha and Jaime Ryan 10th in the 470 women.
Paris Stowell is the leading Australian in the RS:X women’s class in seventh, with Annalise Gilbert ninth, while in the RS:X men Patrick Vos is 16th.
Racing continues on Lake Garda on Saturday, ahead of Sunday’s medal races.
Full results can be found here.
For more information on the Australian Sailing Team visit www.australiansailingteam.com.au
America's Cup : Tributes pour in for Andrew "Bart" Simpson
by America's Cup media
Tributes from around the world are pouring in for British Olympic hero and double Olympic medalist Andrew ‘Bart’ Simpson, who was tragically killed when Artemis Racing team’s AC72 capsized on San Francisco Bay on Thursday afternoon.
Simpson had competed at the highest levels of sailing, winning Olympic Gold and Silver medals with skipper Iain Percy in the Star class in back-to-back Olympics.
Andrew James “Bart” Simpson was born Dec. 17, 1976, in Chertsey, Surrey, southwest of London.
Simpson’s sailing career began at the age of 7 along the south coast of England when he raced Optimist dinghies with Sir Ben Ainslie, who has become one of the greatest Olympic sailors of all time, and Iain Percy, who would become his skipper in the Star class. They would go to win Gold and Silver medals at the Olympic Games.
Simpson joined Artemis Racing earlier this year as a strategist, a few months after the team promoted Percy to the position of sailing team director. Previously, he sailed in the America’s Cup with Percy with Italy’s +39 Challenge in the 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup off Valencia, Spain.
Simpson is survived by his wife, Leah, and their two young children.
Following yesterday’s tragedy, notes of condolence have been posted around the world:
Torbjörn Törnqvist, Chairman of Artemis Racing, said, “Our thoughts are with Andrew’s family, who suffered a tragic loss yesterday—of a son, a father, and a husband. As our friend and teammate, Andrew “Bart” Simpson was central to Artemis Racing, both in the course of racing and our lives. His presence and personality was a binding force and he will be missed. Right now, the primary focus of Artemis Racing is on the well-being of our team members and their families, and the America’s Cup competition will remain second to that.”
Paul Cayard, CEO of Artemis Racing, said, “Our prayers are with Andrew Simpson’s family, his wife and kids, and also the rest of my teammates. It’s a shocking experience to go through, and we have a lot to deal with in the next few days in terms of assuring everybody’s well being.”
Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee said, “Andrew Simpson was a hugely accomplished sailor and Olympian. He died pursuing his sporting passion and our thoughts are naturally with his family and friends and of course his fellow crew members who must be devastated by this tragic accident.”
Carlo Croce, President of the International Sailing Federation said, “ISAF would like to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to Andrew Simpson’s wife, family and the Artemis Racing Team. A fine yachtsman, wonderful man and ambassador for the sport of sailing, Andrew will be deeply missed by those who knew him personally and those he inspired.”
John Derbyshire, RYA Performance Director shared his opinion of Simpson’s loss: “We’re devastated by the news from San Francisco. Andrew is someone I’ve worked closely with since the age of 16 – he was a great talent and a key figure in our World Class Program over many years culminating in his well-deserved Olympic success. He was a huge inspiration to others, both within the British Sailing Team and across the nation, and our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this terrible time.”
Jimmy Spithill, skipper ORACLE TEAM USA, posted, “Our thoughts are with Andrew Simpson’s family and friends and the team at Artemis Racing. We’ll miss u mate.”
From Luna Rossa Challenge, “Team Luna Rossa is devastated and shocked for what happened to Artemis and expresses its deepest condolences to Andrew’s family, a friend and a sportsman that no one of us will ever forget.”
Emirates Team New Zealand is shocked by the tragic death of Artemis Racing crew member Andrew Simpson in a training accident today on San Francisco Bay. Managing director Grant Dalton said the team extends its condolences to Andrew Simpson’s family, friends and to the Swedish team.
Russell Coutts, CEO, ORACLE TEAM USA, posted, “My deepest sympathies to Andrew Simpson’s family, friends and the whole Artemis Racing Team during such difficult times. These days are really sad days for the sailing community.”
Energy Team posted, “Everyone at Energy Team is reeling from the shock of hearing of the terrible loss of Andrew Simpson and we would like to offer our condolences to his family and friends.”
Members of the public are invited to leave their messages of condolence beneath the article, here.
America's Cup
EUROSAF Garda Trentino Week : Awesome Images of Kiwi and Aussie Sailors from Elena Giolai
Polly Powrie in the helmsman/skipper role with Team Jolly on day one. Image copyright Elena Giolai
Image copyright Elena Giolai
Image copyright Elena Giolai
Image copyright Elena Giolai
Image copyright Elena Giolai
Image copyright Elena Giolai
Image copyright Elena Giolai
Image copyright Elena Giolai
EUROSAF Garda Trentino Week
Great Cup : GC32s back to full strength as Marazzi takes the lead
GC32 racing for the Austria Cup on day two on Traunsee. Image copyright Christophe Launay/www.sealaunay.com @SeaLaunay
GC32 Austria Cup was up to full strength today with three boats back on the start line of this, the new catamaran class’ first ever regatta, after a vital part arrived overnight for SPAX Solution Sailing Team.
Unfortunately due to a front passing this part of Austria, the warm summery conditions gave way initially to chilly winds, then rain and ultimately very light winds. As a result only two races were held on the course directly off the Allianz Traunsee Week race village in Gmunden.
The first race between Laurent Lenne’s SPAX Solution Sailing Team, the Andreas Hagara-steered AEZ GC32 Team Austria and Flavio Marazzi’s Marwin was held in a light, but stable southerly wind blowing up the length of lake. Marazzi led up the first beat and chose his sides well to take the first win of the day as SPAX and AEZ GC32 Team Austria jockeyed for second. The Dutch team rolled the Austrians coming into the leeward gate only for Hagara’s crew to relieve SPAX of second on the finish line.
There was a long wait for the second race as the light fickle wind went through a 180° turn before ending up vaguely in the southeast and still very shifty. In this the Firefly team started strongly on a puff taking them out to the right. The Dutch team helmed by former Tornado Olympic sailor Pim Nieuwenhuis led around the top mark with former Match Racing World Champion Adam Minoprio uncharacteristically last, half a leg behind. However all three boats bunched up coming into the leeward gate effectively making for a restart. Firefly led around and as she and Minoprio sailed off to the right, they parked up. Meanwhile AEZ GC32 Youth Sailing Team, in a ‘zero to hero’ move, went left hard left, hugged the shoreline, found breeze and crossed the finish line first, more than four minutes ahead of her rivals.
GC32 racing for the Austria Cup on day two on Traunsee. Image copyright Christophe Launay/www.sealaunay.com @SeaLaunay
“It was really good,” said Max Trippolt, 22-year-old skipper of AEZ GC32 Youth Sailing Team. “Our tactician Hanno Sohm did really good. He saw the pressure on the left side near the land.”
The Austrian Youth team has been punching above its weight all this week, winning the first day of racing. Trippolt partly attributes this to their being one of the few crews here who regularly sail together. Earlier this year they put in much work attempting to get a berth in September’s Red Bull Youth America’s Cup. “We understand each other without much talking. I know my crew well,” says Trippolt.
Flavio Marazzi perhaps had fire in his belly after the GC32 crews awoke this morning to the news of the terrible loss of Andrew Simpson. A Star class double Olympic medallist, Simpson was drowned when the AC72 catamaran of America’s Cup challenger Artemis Racing broke up and capsized in San Francisco Bay yesterday.
GC32 racing for the Austria Cup on day two on Traunsee. Image copyright Christophe Launay/www.sealaunay.com @SeaLaunay
In tribute to Simpson PRO Stefan Puxkandl, himself a former Olympic Star sailor, asked for a moment’s silence at this morning’s skippers briefing.
Marazzi regularly competed against Simpson in his campaigns for Beijing 2008 and London 2012. “It was a big shock for me this morning,” the tall Swiss sailor admitted. “I felt really sad. It always happens to the best. We’ve spent some days training with him over the last eight years in the Star. We have children the same age. He only joined the Artemis project a few months ago.”
As to his winning performance today, Marazzi says he doesn’t think of himself as a lake racer having spent the last 10 years mostly competing outside of his native Switzerland. “The first race was really nice with different pressure, but only small shifts compared to the second race. It was a fair race with a good start. It is interesting to sail with three boats. You can match race, but you have to take care about the third boat.”
GC32 racing for the Austria Cup on day two on Traunsee. Image copyright Christophe Launay/www.sealaunay.com @SeaLaunay
Scoring for the GC32 Austria Cup was modified today with the overall results from the first two days of racing each now counting for one point (tomorrow’s round robins will carry a X2 co-efficient and on Sunday X3). As a result Marazzi’s Marwin team has pulled into the lead overall but is just one point ahead of AEZ GC32 Youth Sailing Team and Adam Minoprio.
Sadly the forecast is not looking good for tomorrow, with rain and further light winds anticipated. But Traunsee is a lake in the middle of some giant mountains and forecasting here is more whim than science.
Full results here. A blow-by-blow account of the racing can be found here and live images from the race course can be viewed here.
CREW LISTS
Austria
AEZ GC32 Racing: Andreas Hagara (AUT), Gerd Habermüller (AUT), Christian Binder (AUT), Peter Steinkogler (AUT)
AEZ GC32 Youth Racing: Alexander Deuring (AUT), Benedikt Höss (AUT), Hanno Sohm (AUT), Max Trippolt (AUT)
Netherlands
Spax Solution Sailing Team: Laurent Lenne (FRA), Andrew Macpherson (AUS), Mikael Lundh (SWE), Olivier Witteveen (NED)
Firefly Team: Pim Nieuwenhuis (NED), Ed van Lierde (NED), Thijs Visser (NED), Mark Van Gelderen (NED)
Switzerland
Marwin Team: Flavio Marazzi (SUI), Mathias Buhler (SUI), Keith Swinton (AUS), Diego Turell (URU)
Team Minoprio: Adam Minoprio (NZL), Andy Dinsdale (USA), Thomas Tschepen (AUT), Diego Stefani (ITA)
EUROSAF Garda Trentino Week : Day 3 - Sad and Wet
by Elena Giolai
It’s raining today on the Garda Lake, and this “blue mood” is the same that you can see on all sailors faces… since last night Andrew James Simpson, the famous British Sailor and Olympic athlete died. His Yacht capsized in San Francisco Bay last night.
To remember him, we suggest one minute of silence at 11. am for all the athletes that are challenging at Garda Trentino Olympic Week.
Kiwi Nacra17 at EUROSAF Garda Trentino Week. Image copyright Roberto Villeumier
On the Garda Trentino Olympic Week third day, the wind goes missing on Torbole, by grounding the Laser Standard and Radial, and the RSXM and RSXF.
In Riva del Garda blew a wind of 5 knots, but irregular, which did not allow the 49er and the 470M and 470F to challenge.
Malcesine has been an exception, where Finn “took home” three trials, and did the best Nacra17, with four races sailed, thanks to a wind at 5/6 knots.
Then postponed to tomorrow, for many of the classes in the race, the new "format" testing.
Nacra17s at EUROSAF Garda Trentino Week. Image copyright Roberto Vuilleumier
The Eurosaf Champions Cup Sailing, starting from the Garda Trentino Olympic Week 2013, is proposing a new format for the international regatta. The "medal race" will be held on Sunday, May 12th involving only the first 6/8 best in each Fleet.
The provisional results of the Classes Nacra17 and Finn, only classes to have competed in races on the third day of the Garda Trentino Olympic Week.
Video of Racing on Day One
Video of Racing on Day Two
Grand Prix de l'Ecole Navale : Deuxième journée
par GPEN media
La 12ème édition du Grand Prix de l’Ecole navale-Championnat de France promotion Monotype Habitable continue de se dérouler sur un rythme soutenu avec des courses qui s’enchaînent. Toutes les séries ont couru sur les différents sites de course, dans des conditions météorologiques plus favorables qu’hier, avec un flux d’Ouest modéré de 10 à 15 nœuds. Côté Brest, la Penn Ar Bed Paddle Race et les Pen Duick ont offert un magnifique spectacle inédit !
Henry Bacchini, vice-président de la FFVoile, se félicite de cette belle journée qui a vu toutes les séries à l’œuvre sur les différents ronds : « C’était une journée de régate intéressante avec des conditions de course difficiles, des vents instables et variables en pression, ce qui a conduit les compétiteurs à des choix stratégiques et tactiques difficiles. Cela a permis aux meilleurs de sortir leur épingle du jeu. Les comités ont très bien travaillé aujourd’hui avec 3 à 4 manches selon les séries, ce qui valide la compétition et le titre de champion de France pour 5 des séries présentes».
Sur le plan d’eau du Poulmic, les J80, série la plus représentée du GPEN avec plus d’une soixante d’équipages engagés, après une entrée en matière des plus sportives hier, a poursuivi sur un rythme soutenu et enchaîné 3 manches devant l’Ecole navale. C'est Bernard Hugues, Espoir Pays de Loire, qui prend la tête du classement général provisoire devant Eric Brezellec sur Interface Concept qui réalise un quasi sans-faute aujourd’hui. Deux victoires et une seconde place qui lui permettent de revenir à 1 point au général.
Les Classe 6,50, 5,50 JI et monotype 7.50 ne sont pas restées en reste et se sont régalées de cette première journée ! En classe 6.50, un duel se joue entre Alternative Sailing, Némo et KM3. En monotype 7.50, la famille Bargibant se positionne en tête de course.
Du côté des Longtze, c'est également un habitué de la série, Nicolas Bérenger sur Beijaflore-Essec qui s'impose dans deux des quatre manches courues, ce qui lui permet de prendre la tête du classement général, un point devant Laurent Berjon. L’équipage suisse mené par Jarmo Wieland complète le trio de tête et remporte le parcours Ailée, dernière course de la journée.
Le parrain de l’édition 2013, Bruno Jourdren, récemment médaillé d’or à la Sailing World Cup de Hyères, a quant à lui, pour sa première participation à l’épreuve, terminé respectivement 7ème et 5ème des deux premières courses du jour pour se classer 5ème au général.
A Camaret, dans une mer formée et un vent de 15 à 20 nœuds, les M 34 ont effectué 3 courses. Lors de la 1ère course de la journée, Courrier Dunkerque reste en tête d’un bout à l’autre et résiste à une flotte très dense. Le classement général se consolide et permet aujourd’hui d’avoir une visibilité sur le podium final. Franck Cammas reste en tête sur Groupama 34 devant Courrier Dunkerque et Sodébo.
Du côté de Morgat, pour la première journée de régate, les conditions météorologiques étaient clémentes avec un vent d’Ouest-Sud-Ouest modéré pour une quinzaine de nœuds et une mer peu agitée. Le comité de course, profitant de ces conditions idéales, a lancé 4 courses pour chacune des séries, au grand bonheur des équipages.
En Open 5.70 et en Seascape, les étrangers ont été à l’honneur dans la 1ère manche avec en Open 5.70, le voilier espagnol Pink Panther skippé par Oyarzun Vazquez et en Seascape, le Bice Sniga skippé par le slovène Jan Kobler. Au classement général provisoire des Open 5.70, ce sont les Trinitains d’Aspégic suivis de Voile Ambition Dunkerque 7 qui se détachent de leurs concurrents. En Seascape, l’équipage anglais de Noname mène les débats talonné par Seascape Distribution France, tandis que les slovènes occupent la troisième place.
En Corsaires, la lutte est assez serrée pour le podium : La Risée, Lezig. Buanoc’h et Brilène se tiennent en 2 points.
Côté Brest, les plus grands champions français de la discipline de Stand Up Paddle (SUP) se sont affrontés lors de la Penn Ar Bed Paddle Race pour une première course au cœur de la ville et un départ inédit sous le pont de Recouvrance ! Eric Terrien remporte l’épreuve au coude à coude avec Gaétan Séné. Yoan Cornelis complète le podium de cette troisième édition.
A noter parmi les participants, la présence de Julien Bontemps, médaillé d’argent en 2008, actuellement en stage à Brest avec l’équipe de France de planche à voile, qui termine 5ème de la course.
Quelques extraits de témoignages dont l’intégralité est en ligne sur www.gpen.fr :
En Longtze, Mathilde Geron – École Navale et membre de l’Equipe de France Militaire de Voile (EFMV) : « Je ne suis pas ici pour la gagne. C’est la première fois que je navigue avec mon équipage, sur un bateau sponsorisé pas l’Ecole Navale. A bord se trouvent Stéphane Christidis, également membre de l’EFMV, et un élève-officier en formation. »
Eric Terrien, 31 ans, nantais, qui termine 1er de de la Penn Ar Bed Paddle Race (médaillé de bronze aux Mondiaux de Paddle Race en 2012) : « Cela fait six ans que je pratique du paddle à haut niveau. C’est la première fois que je viens à Brest pour participer à une course qui se passe entre le bassin militaire, le port de commerce et le port de pêche. Tout s’est déroulé au cœur de la ville : c’était spectaculaire…/.. J’ai fait de mon mieux et j’ai réussi, c’est génial ! ».
Michel Quistinic – directeur commercial de Bic Sport, partenaire technique de la Penn Ar Bed Paddle Race 2013 : « Pour Brest c’est une grande première : la Marine nationale nous a ouvert la Penfeld qui est une aire dédiée exclusivement aux militaires. On a donc la chance de faire une course dans la rade de Brest et découvrir de nouveaux endroits, comme le port militaire, site original et historique./…Bic Sports est la seule usine spécialisée dans le domaine des sports nautiques qui produit des équipements en France (kayak, planche-à-voile, surf, paddle)».
Retrouvez l’intégralité des classements sur Classement des régates du jour sur www.gpen.fr
Iroise Cup : An unusual day
M34s racing at GPEN. Image copyright JM Liot
by Vincent Borde
With three technical courses contested in Camaret, the nine M34s competing in the Iroise Cup haven't lost any time today. Indeed some, like Courrier Dunkerque, have even made gains, by snatching back three points in the overall ranking from Groupama, which had a rather lacklustre day in comparison.
"The first two races were good, even though Courrier Dunkerque beat us each time. However, in the third, things were a little frustrating. We got off to a good start, whilst Courrier Dunkerque hit the mark and Sodebo overshot. At the windward mark, there were two of us just behind Oman. We stuffed up a manoeuvre at the bottom gate, which enabled Bretagne Crédit Mutuel to come back on us and then overtake on the final beat, as we were trying to control Courrier Dunkerque, which also ended up overtaking us. It was high time the day came to an end..." said Franck Cammas.
As regards tactics, there wasn't a great deal to play on: "Despite a favourable current to the right, it was necessary to opt for the left-hand side of the race zone. The wind of around fifteen knots, easing to 11, was constantly backing. Once again we noticed that Courrier Dunkerque is a little more at ease than us downwind once the wind drops," adds the skipper of Groupama 34.
Losing 3 points to its direct rival, the crew of Groupama now has a lead of just six points. It's not a bad cushion for some, but it's not enough for Franck Cammas, who has every intention of benefiting from the course from Camaret to Lanvéoc via Moulin Blanc, in an 18-knot breeze, to boost his lead.
Clearly Courrier Dunkerque, Sodebo, Bretagne CM and Oman Sail have every intention of thwarting his mission...
Provisional ranking in the Iroise Cup after twelve races:
1/ Groupama 34 with 32 points
2/ Courrier Dunkerque with 38 points
3/ Sodebo with 48 points
4/ Team Oman Sail with 53 points
5/ Ile de France
6/ Nantes St Nazaire
7/ Bretagne Crédit Mutuel
8/ Ville de Genève - Carrefour Prévention
In French:
Avec trois parcours techniques disputés à Camaret, les neuf M34 engagés dans l'Iroise Cup n'ont pas perdu leur journée. Certains, comme Courrier Dunkerque, l'ont même bien gagnée en reprenant trois points au classement général à Groupama auteur d'une journée en demi-teinte.
« Les deux premières manches ont été bien même si Courrier Dunkerque nous a battu à chaque fois. Par contre sur la troisième, c'était un peu frustrant. On a pris un bon départ alors que Courrier Dunkerque touchait la bouée et que Sodebo volait. A la bouée au vent, nous sommes deux juste derrière Oman. On fait une mauvaise manoeuvre à la porte en bas ce qui permet à Bretagne Crédit Mutuel de revenir puis de nous passer dans le dernier près, alors que l'on cherche à contrôler Courrier Dunkerque qui finit lui aussi par nous passer. Il était temps que la journée finisse... » related Franck Cammas.
Côté tactique, pas grand chose à se mettre sous la dent : « Malgré un courant favorable à droite, il fallait choisir la gauche du plan d'eau. Le vent d'une quinzaine de noeuds faiblissant à 11 n'a cessé de prendre de la gauche. Et l'on s'aperçoit encore une fois que Courrier Dunkerque est un peu plus à l'aise que nous au portant dès que le vent mollit » ajoute le skipper de Groupama 34.
En perdant 3 points sur son poursuivant direct, l'équipage Groupama n'en compte désormais plus que six d'avance. Un matelas correct pour certains mais insuffisant pour Franck Cammas qui compte bien profiter du parcours de ralliement entre Camaret et Lanvéoc en passant par le Moulin Blanc dans un vent de 18 noeuds pour confirmer son leadership.
Une intention que les Courrier Dunkerque, Sodebo, Bretagne CM et autre Oman Sail comptent bien contrarier...
Classement provisoire de l'Iroise Cup après douze manches :
1/ Groupama 34 avec 32 points
2/ Courrier Dunkerque avec 38 points
3/ Sodebo avec 48 points
4/ Team Oman Sail avec 53 points
5/ Ile de France
6/ Nantes St Nazaire
7/ Bretagne Crédit Mutuel
8/ Ville de Genève - Carrefour Prévention
Cammas - Groupama
GPEN 2013
Iroise Cup : Belle journee pour les Dunkerquois
par Volvo Drive-E Race media
Le Grand Prix de l'Ecole navale continue sur sa lancée. Courrier Dunkerque 3 réalise de loin la meilleure journée avec deux victoire et une 3ème place
Le Grand Prix de l'Ecole Navale continue sur sa lancée. Trois parcours bananes ont été courus en baie de Camaret. Groupama 34 et Courrier Dunkerque 3 ne lâchent rien à leurs adversaires en début de journée et trustent les premières places. Les Omanais parviendront à faire leur trou en gagnant la dernière course du jour suivi des Bretons. La première course, lancée à 11h dans 15 nœuds d'ouest, est remportée par les Nordistes suivi par Groupama 34 et Sodebo M34. Les hommes de Cammas, relégués à la 6ème position à la bouée sous le vent, remonteront la moitié de la flotte pour aller chercher la 2ème place.
Après un changement de parcours dû à la rotation du vent, le Comité de Course envoie le départ de la deuxième course vers 13h. Courrier Dunkerque 3 et Groupama 34 arrivent en tête suivis de l'équipage francilien mené par Nicolas Adrieu.
Après un début de journée difficile, Cédric Pouligny mène ses hommes à la victoire. « Sur les deux premières courses, c'était un peu dur, nous avons fait pas mal d'erreurs notamment sur la tactique mais sur la dernière, nous avons fait une super nav. On a pris la tête dès le début et on n'a rien lâché. »
Du côté de Cammas, on sent la déception. « La dernière course était un peu frustrante car nous aurions pu aisément être deuxièmes. Nous avons fait de mauvais choix tactiques et on a perdu des places alors que d'habitude on en gagne. »
Courrier Dunkerque 3 réalise de loin la meilleure journée avec deux victoires et une 3ème place.
Au classement général, les positions ne bougent pas mais les Nordistes grappillent des points. « Nous sommes actuellement à 6 points derrière Groupama 34. Il va falloir tout donner sur les deux derniers jours pour espérer remonter mais tout peut encore se jouer. »
Demain, la flotte partira aux alentours de 10h30 pour rejoindre Lanvéoc, autre site du Grand prix de l'Ecole Navale, accueillant le Championnat de France Promotion Monotypes Habitables. Les neuf M34 devraient arriver en fin d'après-midi après un parcours de 35 milles, de coefficient 2.
Les interviews
Interview de Cédric Pouligny, skipper de Team Omansail
« Sur les deux premières courses, c'était un peu dur, nous avons fait pas mal d'erreurs notamment sur la tactique. Notre tacticien n'a pas énormément navigué en M34 donc il doit prendre ses marques sur ce bateau. Sur la dernière, nous avons fait une super nav. On a pris la tête dès le début et on n'a rien lâché aux concurrents. »
Interview de Daniel Souben, skipper de Courrier Dunkerque 3
« Trois belles courses encore aujourd'hui avec deux victoires et une 3ème place. Nous sommes actuellement à 6 points derrière Groupama 34. Il va falloir tout donner sur les deux derniers jours pour espérer remonter mais tout peut encore se jouer. Nous connaissons bien le plan d'eau de Lanvéoc, nous avons fait plusieurs fois le Grand Prix de l'Ecole Navale, j'espère que ça jouera en notre faveur. »
Interview de Franck Cammas, skipper de Groupama 34
« La dernière course était un peu frustrante car nous aurions pu aisément être deuxièmes. Nous avons fait de mauvais choix tactiques et on a perdu des places alors que d'habitude on en gagne. Nous perdons 3 points d'avance sur Courrier Dunkerque 3 donc il faut qu'on se ressaisisse ! Ils étaient plus à l'aise que nous dans ces conditions.
Nous avons deux nouveaux équipiers aujourd'hui à bord, Julien Villon qui a fait le Spi avec nous et Louis Viat qui fait partie du Team Groupama depuis deux ans. Ils ont pas mal naviguer en M34 avec d'autres équipes donc ça va être intéressant pour nous. »
Volvo Drive-E Race
GPEN
ArMen Race : Une ArMen Race rapide, dense et intense
Prince de Bretagne 80. Image copyright Marcel Mochet.
par Fanny Evenat
C'est au petit jour, à 6h 12mn 12sec, que le Maxi80 Prince de Bretagne a coupé la ligne du parcours en boucle de l'ArMen Race après 15h12 de course à un rythme effréné. Disputée comme un run de vitesse sur son parcours en boucle de 320 milles, l'ArMen Race a constitué une belle course d'entraînement - pointes à 40 noeuds comprises - pour Lionel Lemonchois et ses hommes. Un galop d'essai grandeur nature d'un rare niveau d'exigence avec des grains à plus de 30 noeuds dans un trafic intense, et face à une concurrence très affûtée.
"C'était une belle course, très intense, avec plusieurs pointes à 40 noeuds, des bords de reaching à plus plus de 25 noeuds pendant trois heures, et des manoeuvres qui s'enchaînaient sous toutes les allures sur ce parcours autour des îles. Et à ce petit jeu là, ce n'est vraiment pas facile de naviguer face aux MOD 70 qui connaissent déjà leur machine comme le fond de leur poche, et qui ont ce petit noeuds de vitesse supplémentaire au bout des doigts", raconte Lionel qui ne cache pas tomber de fatigue à l'issue de cette course "éclair" servie tout du long par de la brise soutenue. "A bord des monotypes, ils étaient huit à bord. A six, nous étions un peu justes", ajoute-t-il.
Lionel Lemonchois on Prince de Bretagne 80 for the ArMen Race. Image copyright DR
Chaud devant !
Avec ses 31,50 mètres et ses 13 hommes d'équipage, Banque Populaire VII s'est révélé intouchable sur le parcours raccourci de l'ArMen Race qu'il a avalé à 25,2 noeuds de moyenne. Le format de cette régate côtière disputée comme un sprint, confirme le niveau sportif de cette épreuve, donnant du fil à retordre au team Prince de Bretagne, privé d'informatique, et d'aide à la navigation, à mi-course. "Cela ne nous a pas aidés. Il y avait un monde dingue sur l'eau : les flottes de la course qui croisaient dans tous les sens et des bateaux de pêche. Il fallait vraiment regarder devant ! "
Alex Pella : "vite et intéressant"
Pour autant, cette Armen Race, dernier des trois rendez-vous du printemps avant la Route des Princes, a offert une occasion privilégiée d'embarquer Alex Pella, le navigateur espagnol qui viendra gonfler les rangs de l'équipage des producteurs bretons sur le tour de l'Europe. "J'avais fait quelques sorties d'entraînement cet hiver en rade de Lorient. Ce parcours, c'était ma première course, et une découverte du bateau avec d'autres bateaux autour. C'est allé si vite, c'était une bagarre de tous les instants super intéressante. La Route des Princes s'annonce passionnante sur ce nouveau bateau qu'il faut encore apprendre à connaître face à un très haut niveau de concurrence", confie-t-il visiblement heureux de cette première bouffée de compétition à vitesse grand V à bord du Maxi80.
Dès la fin de semaine prochaine, après avoir réceptionné la grand-voile repartie en voilerie pour apporter des petites modifications nécessaires, Lionel Lemonchois et l'équipage de la Route des Princes mettra la cap pour rallier la Méditerranée. Un convoyage et une navigation d'entraînement en grandeur nature avant le top départ de la première étape qui sera donné dans un mois à peine, le dimanche 9 juin, au large de Valence.
Prince de Bretagne
ArMen Race
British Sailors and the RYA pay tribute to Andrew "Bart" Simpson
The RYA and British Sailing Team sailors pay tribute to Andrew Simpson.
“You were always there when we needed advice or had a bad day. You and your wise words will not be forgotten.”
British Sailing’s Kate Macgregor sums up in one sentence the respect, admiration and love that the whole international sailing and sporting community had for Andrew Simpson.
Bart; the gentle giant with the huge heart, enormous smile and kind of balanced attitude to life and his sailing that infectiously inspired so many. As focussed and determined a competitor as he was on-the-water he was equally as generous and down-to-Earth off it.
Everyone who witnessed Bart’s most glorious moment winning Beijing 2008 Star class gold with lifelong best mate, Iain Percy, could not failed to have been moved by the most human of stories.
It says everything about Bart that when the pair narrowly missed out on repeating the feat at London 2012, Percy credited Simpson with putting their silver medal into perspective and helping him appreciate the achievement for what it was.
A sailor who got the best out of everyone
Sarah Treseder RYA CEO: "Andrew’s death is a desperately sad loss and our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Andrew was a lovely person and a brilliant sailor; he will be missed enormously.”
RYA Performance Director John Derbyshire: "We’re devastated by the news from San Francisco today. Andrew is someone I’ve worked closely with since the age of 16 – he was a great talent and a key figure in our World Class Programme over many years culminating in his well-deserved Olympic success.
He was a huge inspiration to others, both within the British Sailing Team and across the nation and our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this terrible time."
RYA Olympic Manager Stephen Park: "Andrew was a fantastic sailor who got the best out of everyone he sailed with. He was much loved and will be sorely missed by everyone in our close knit team. Our thoughts today are with Andrew's family."
Andrew 'Bart' Simpson
Andrew was born in Chertsey on 17 December 1976 and had been living in Sherborne, Dorset with his wife and two children before moving to San Francisco for Cup duties in recent weeks
He first sailed with his dad in Christchurch from about the age of five. Before last year’s Olympics, he joked that his natural sailing flair spawned from his dad wanting a quiet life.
“My dad let me steer one day and I told him I was faster than he was and I think he pretty quickly decided I could have my own boat so he could enjoy himself rather than having his son telling him what to do!”
It is one of British sport’s great stories that he and future champion partner, Percy, met playing Lego as young Optimist sailors and, together with Ben Ainslie, the trio forged a close bond that, alongside their indomitable competitive spirit and on-the-water success, led to them forming the backbone of the British sailing team for the past decade.
Having developed under former RYA National Racing coach, Jim Saltonstall, Bart enjoyed success in the Finn heavyweight dinghy, including a 2003 Worlds bronze, but could never quite nudge ahead of Percy and Ainslie in gaining Olympic selection.
After teaming up with Percy in the Star in January 2007, the duo provided a glimpse of what was to come with a Worlds bronze medal that summer. But it was in Beijing 2008 where everything fell into place, with the pair producing a heroic last race display to claim their hugely poignant gold medal, which earned Bart an MBE.
London 2012 saw Percy and Simpson dominate the regatta, but a twist of fate in the final double points’ medal race denied them a second consecutive gold.
With the Star class removed from the Olympics for Rio 2016, Bart’s desire to give back and continue to contribute to the sport he loved saw him join the RYA’s Olympic Steering Group, which governs the strategic direction of Britain’s Olympic sailing programme.
He joined Artemis Racing, where Percy is director of sailing, as strategist earlier this year.
Tributes from teammates
The tributes paid this morning by his teammates and colleagues on Twitter provide an even clearer insight into his understated influence throughout every level of the sport.
British Sailing Team Development Sailor, Elliot Hanson, said: “Childhood hero and undeniably one of sailing greats,” while Olympic 470 silver medallist, Luke Patience, simply said: “Devastated. Bart, you are a true inspiration,” and windsurfer Nick Dempsey added: “Going to miss you Bart.”
‘Shock’, ‘devastated’, ‘inspiration’ – words repeated time and time again as people struggle to make sense of what has happened. But alongside those the words ‘gentleman’, ‘funny’, ‘intelligent’, ‘no ego’ are equally prevalent.
Young sailors will cite Bart as their inspiration
He may not have spoken loudly but when he did speak his voice and views resonated deeply. He was a man you listened to, a man whose opinion was so valued by the decision-makers at the very top of the sport to the youngest sailors just developing their own talents.
There will be young sailors standing on the Olympic podium in future years who will cite Bart as their inspiration. You could argue there would be no bigger tribute to him.
But probably the most defining thing you can say about Bart is that he was just a really, really top bloke. Everyone loved him. That is what will be remembered most about him.
The RYA sends its thoughts and prayers to Andrew’s wife, Leah, their two young children, and his family and friends. It was a privilege to have shared his journey. Rest in Peace Bart.
RYA - British Sailing
“You were always there when we needed advice or had a bad day. You and your wise words will not be forgotten.”
British Sailing’s Kate Macgregor sums up in one sentence the respect, admiration and love that the whole international sailing and sporting community had for Andrew Simpson.
Bart; the gentle giant with the huge heart, enormous smile and kind of balanced attitude to life and his sailing that infectiously inspired so many. As focussed and determined a competitor as he was on-the-water he was equally as generous and down-to-Earth off it.
Everyone who witnessed Bart’s most glorious moment winning Beijing 2008 Star class gold with lifelong best mate, Iain Percy, could not failed to have been moved by the most human of stories.
It says everything about Bart that when the pair narrowly missed out on repeating the feat at London 2012, Percy credited Simpson with putting their silver medal into perspective and helping him appreciate the achievement for what it was.
A sailor who got the best out of everyone
Sarah Treseder RYA CEO: "Andrew’s death is a desperately sad loss and our heartfelt condolences go out to his family. Andrew was a lovely person and a brilliant sailor; he will be missed enormously.”
RYA Performance Director John Derbyshire: "We’re devastated by the news from San Francisco today. Andrew is someone I’ve worked closely with since the age of 16 – he was a great talent and a key figure in our World Class Programme over many years culminating in his well-deserved Olympic success.
He was a huge inspiration to others, both within the British Sailing Team and across the nation and our deepest sympathies go out to his family at this terrible time."
RYA Olympic Manager Stephen Park: "Andrew was a fantastic sailor who got the best out of everyone he sailed with. He was much loved and will be sorely missed by everyone in our close knit team. Our thoughts today are with Andrew's family."
Andrew 'Bart' Simpson
Andrew was born in Chertsey on 17 December 1976 and had been living in Sherborne, Dorset with his wife and two children before moving to San Francisco for Cup duties in recent weeks
He first sailed with his dad in Christchurch from about the age of five. Before last year’s Olympics, he joked that his natural sailing flair spawned from his dad wanting a quiet life.
“My dad let me steer one day and I told him I was faster than he was and I think he pretty quickly decided I could have my own boat so he could enjoy himself rather than having his son telling him what to do!”
It is one of British sport’s great stories that he and future champion partner, Percy, met playing Lego as young Optimist sailors and, together with Ben Ainslie, the trio forged a close bond that, alongside their indomitable competitive spirit and on-the-water success, led to them forming the backbone of the British sailing team for the past decade.
Having developed under former RYA National Racing coach, Jim Saltonstall, Bart enjoyed success in the Finn heavyweight dinghy, including a 2003 Worlds bronze, but could never quite nudge ahead of Percy and Ainslie in gaining Olympic selection.
After teaming up with Percy in the Star in January 2007, the duo provided a glimpse of what was to come with a Worlds bronze medal that summer. But it was in Beijing 2008 where everything fell into place, with the pair producing a heroic last race display to claim their hugely poignant gold medal, which earned Bart an MBE.
London 2012 saw Percy and Simpson dominate the regatta, but a twist of fate in the final double points’ medal race denied them a second consecutive gold.
With the Star class removed from the Olympics for Rio 2016, Bart’s desire to give back and continue to contribute to the sport he loved saw him join the RYA’s Olympic Steering Group, which governs the strategic direction of Britain’s Olympic sailing programme.
He joined Artemis Racing, where Percy is director of sailing, as strategist earlier this year.
Tributes from teammates
The tributes paid this morning by his teammates and colleagues on Twitter provide an even clearer insight into his understated influence throughout every level of the sport.
British Sailing Team Development Sailor, Elliot Hanson, said: “Childhood hero and undeniably one of sailing greats,” while Olympic 470 silver medallist, Luke Patience, simply said: “Devastated. Bart, you are a true inspiration,” and windsurfer Nick Dempsey added: “Going to miss you Bart.”
‘Shock’, ‘devastated’, ‘inspiration’ – words repeated time and time again as people struggle to make sense of what has happened. But alongside those the words ‘gentleman’, ‘funny’, ‘intelligent’, ‘no ego’ are equally prevalent.
Young sailors will cite Bart as their inspiration
He may not have spoken loudly but when he did speak his voice and views resonated deeply. He was a man you listened to, a man whose opinion was so valued by the decision-makers at the very top of the sport to the youngest sailors just developing their own talents.
There will be young sailors standing on the Olympic podium in future years who will cite Bart as their inspiration. You could argue there would be no bigger tribute to him.
But probably the most defining thing you can say about Bart is that he was just a really, really top bloke. Everyone loved him. That is what will be remembered most about him.
The RYA sends its thoughts and prayers to Andrew’s wife, Leah, their two young children, and his family and friends. It was a privilege to have shared his journey. Rest in Peace Bart.
RYA - British Sailing
Grand Prix Guyader : Le Grand Prix Guyader allonge la foulée
par Véronique Guillou Le Bivic
Aujourd’hui, en baie de Douarnenez, les conditions étaient beaucoup plus navigables qu’hier. Aux dires des marins, on touchait même l’idéal de la proue. S’il faisait encore frisquet, le vent soufflait moins fort et les concurrents du Grand Prix Guyader Dragon se sont régalés sur une mer qui s’était assagie dans la nuit.
La Suisse ouvre les hostilités
Après un rappel général à 11 heures 30, le Comité a pu lancer une première course 10 minutes plus tard. C’est toujours la même histoire sur les régates et encore plus pour celles de Dragon, un bon départ est fondamental, il détermine 50% du résultat. Alors, au petit jeu de ‘qui perd gagne’, la pression montant au fil des courses, une poignée de Dragonistes tentent leur chance et entrainent quelques autres dans leur sillage. Parfois ça passe, d’autre fois, ça casse… Et hop ! Retour à la case départ.
Image copyright François Van Malleghem/Grand Prix Guyader
Ce matin, pour la deuxième procédure, faite cette fois sous pavillon noir, les esprits s’étaient calmés et c’est un départ sans débordement qui a été donné. Le pavillon noir signifiant que si une partie de la coque, de l’équipage ou de l’équipement franchit la ligne dans la minute avant le départ, le concurrent est disqualifié. Ça calme, forcément…
Il y avait 10 à 15 nœuds d’ouest et de belles éclaircies comme des poursuites illuminant la scène du Grand Prix Guyader. C’était une vraie belle journée pour régater en baie de Douarnenez, à tel point que du bateau comité venait ce commentaire : «On aimerait bien être à leur place ! »
Pour autant, l’heure n’était pas à la contemplation et l’unique bateau suisse engagé (Sui 311) a rompu le traité de paix perpétuel si cher aux Helvètes en prenant d’emblée les commandes de la flotte pour ne plus les lâcher jusqu’à l’arrivée. A ses trousses, l’équipage de Luc Pillot (FRA 386) bien inspiré après un début de Grand Prix décevant (OCS sur la deuxième course) et celui de Markus Wiezer (UKR 7). Ces trois Dragon là, ont mené une propre et belle course, ne laissant aucune chance à leurs poursuivants, même si ‘Strange Little Girl’ (RUS 76) est venu, à plusieurs reprises, leur chatouiller la poupe.
Profitant de ces belles conditions, Philippe Faure n’a pas tardé à lancer une deuxième procédure.
Naviguer en short toute l’année…
Il ne faut pas chercher sur les calendriers la trilogie de ces saints que sont Saint-Mamert, Saint-Pancrace et Saint-Servais, ils ont été remplacés par Sainte-Estelle, Saint-Achille et Sainte-Rolande, mais ce sont bien les saints de glace et ils ont débarqué en baie de Douarnenez. Pas de quoi affoler la plupart des 59 équipages du Grand Prix Guyader 2013, en revanche, Tam Nguyen (HKG 55), le vainqueur de la Coupe de Bretagne Trophée STEF, nous vient tout droit de Hong Kong et se sent bien moins à l’aise dans ces conditions qu’avec le petit temps qui régnait le week-end dernier en baie de Douarnenez. «A Hong Kong on navigue en short toute l’année, nous n’avons pas besoin de porter des vestes, des polaires et tout cet équipement nécessaire ces jours-ci. Notre spécialité, c’est le petit temps, jamais nous ne rencontrons autant de vent et de mer et du coup, finir dans les 20 premiers est une performance inouïe pour nous ! ». Derrière son gentil sourire et son allure de jeune premier, Tam cache une sacrée volonté et sa capacité à s’adapter très vite n’a pas tardé à se manifester. Dès la première course du jour, il jouait dans le groupe de tête, souvent bord à bord avec Christian Guyader (FRA 365), le partenaire de l’épreuve, également concurrent.
Pour la deuxième course, se sont ces deux bateaux qui ont pris le meilleur départ et mené la flotte jusqu’à la première bouée, remplacé à la bouée au vent par Markus Wiezer (UKR 7) et Gérard Blanc (FRA 409) tandis que le vent était tombé et avait pris 30° de gauche. Au final, c’est Markus Wiezer qui a remporté cette dernière course de la journée, suivi de Rémy Arnaud (FRA 396) et de Henrik Witzmann (UAE 20).
Et Christian Guyader est un homme doublement heureux ce soir, en temps qu’organisateur de ce bel événement bien-sûr, mais en qualité de régatier aussi, puisqu’il se classe quatrième de cette course à la barre du mythique Ar Youleg (FRA 365). Ce matin, son équipier, Erwan Dubois, laissait entendre qu’ils aimeraient bien finir dans les 20… Quant à Tan Nguyen (HKG 55), lui aussi, il dépasse ses objectifs en se classant 16ème et 14ème des courses du jour. « Inouï », disait-il en quittant les pontons ce matin…
La Barquera à bons ports…
Les premiers ont franchi la ligne virtuelle au large de Penmac’h ce matin, la direction de course doit attendre maintenant qu’ils aient rejoint un port de leur choix avant de connaître leur classement, ceux-ci devant photographier leur point GPS au moment du franchissement de ligne et le remettre ensuite au Comité de course.
Grand Prix Guyader
ArMen Race & GP Guyader : « Un début de saison très positif » pour Virbac Paprec 70
par Laurent Simon et Anne-Charlotte Meyer
L'équipage à bord de VIRBAC-PAPREC 70 a participé à sa première course offshore, l'ArMen Race dont le départ a été donné hier à 14h55 de la Trinité-sur-Mer. JP et ses équipiers ont parcouru 320 milles dans des conditions toniques entre la Trinité, Belle Ile, l'île d'Yeu, Groix, Belle Ile. Une course express bouclée en 14h41, le bateau bleu a franchi la ligne d'arrivée en baie de Quiberon à 5h41 ce matin ! VIRBAC-PAPREC 70 termine 4ème après le Maxi Banque Populaire, le Mod 70 d'Edmond de Rothshild et Oman Sail. Une belle expérience pour l'ensemble de l'équipage qui s'acclimate à ce nouveau support. A son arrivée, Vincent Riou revient sur cette épreuve.
Un début très positif
Un début très positif
Vincent Riou : « Cela a été très rapide, nous avons terminé la course en moins de 15h. C'était notre première expérience au large avec l'équipage à bord de VIRBAC-PAPREC 70 en course. C'est un début très positif. Cette épreuve nous permet d'identifier ainsi les points restants à travailler sur la conduite et l'utilisation du bateau pour préparer la Route des Princes. Dans des conditions un peu musclées, les équipages plus affutés qui sont sur le circuit depuis deux saisons comme Edmond de Rothschild et Oman Sail ont forcément un meilleur niveau que nous, ce qui est normal. Nous allons en tirer des conclusions et mettre à profit le convoyage de 1700 milles entre Lorient et Nice pour progresser rapidement. »
Conditions toniques
Vincent Riou : « Les vitesses à bord de VIRBAC-PAPREC 70 ont oscillé entre 20 et 37 nœuds. Les machines sont relativement impressionnantes, le multicoque accélère tout de suite. Il faut trouver ses marques et se mettre dans la cadence. Avec l'équipage, il y avait une bonne ambiance à bord, nous étions tous concentrés sur la marche du bateau. »
A bord de Virbac Paprec 70 sur l'ArMen Race:
A bord de VIRBAC-PAPREC 70 sur l'Armen Race par Virbac-Paprec_SailingTeam
Remise des prix du Vendée Globe à suivre en live
A peine arrivé de l'ArMen Race, Jean-Pierre Dick troquera son ciré pour endosser son costume afin d'assister à la remise des prix du Vendée Globe aux Sables d'Olonne. La cérémonie aura lieu à 22h samedi 11 mai sur la grande plage aux Sables d'Olonne. Le skipper de Virbac-Paprec 3 recevra aussi la palme de la combativité Sodebo remportée à l'issue de son incroyable exploit. Le skipper niçois a choisi de verser la récompense de la palme à 3 associations : alliance syndrôme Dravet, Centre de Découverte du Monde Marin de Nice et l' association Rose of Jericho.
Cérémonie de remise des prix à suivre en streaming en direct sur le site http://www.vendeeglobe.org/fr/ et sur Dailymotion
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