The Figaro fleet are enjoying their last break before the last leg. All boats have gathered in Bozcaada harbour. Solo racers have been unwinding in Bozcaada following a tough race at the last leg. They are calculating the constantly shifting ranking, which was turned upside down with the addition of the Bozcaada leg
Image copyright Cap Istanbul.
by Marie Le Berrigaud-Perochon
Gildas Morvan's (Cercle Vert) climb back up to the top messed up François Gabart's (Skipper Macif 2010) plans. Now, the final leg from Gelibolu to Istanbul will be the deciding battle ground for them.
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Everybody is busy analysing their position in the general ranking and deciding how they will play the last 110 miles to Istanbul. Some have lost their chances at the podium, they are mostly trying to close the season with a good enough ranking. Among them are Damien Guillou (La Solidarité Mutualiste), Arnaud Godart-Philippe (Senoble), Frédéric Rivet (Vendée 1) and Anthony Marchand (Espoir Région Bretagne).
All sailors have done their best to make good starts and challenge the favourites. Now they just have to hold on til Istanbul. Because as important as it is to win, having the experience at a race of this calibre also counts.
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There is still a tough game to play for some though. This is especially true for Fabien Delahaye (Port de Caen Ouistreham), since he is very close to achieving a great ranking in second place. He has such a strong fighting spirit that he may not let François get away with a better result.
There are also racers with critical situations. Jeanne Grégoire has to complete the race right after Fabien Delahaye to finish the French Open Sea Solo Championship in 4th place. There is only one big goal on her mind before the start of the last leg: to close the short gap between her and François Gabart in the last 110 miles.
Bozcaada fascinates its visitors
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Bozcaada timeout after Didim was much needed for the sailors. Because they've been through the hardest of four legs in the final climb through the Aegian. After heading into strong winds and large waves, Bozcaada's contrasting calm fascinated the sailors.
Above all, the island represents the charm of the Mediterranean. Fishermen's harbour has a constant hustle and bustle and the ferryboat that travels back and forth between the island and the mainland provides a colourful and spirited atmosphere. They couldn't help but admire the tranquility of the island community and the landscapes that carry the traces of the region's multicultural background.
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The racers were caught in the middle of enjoying this fascinating atmosphere and getting on with their preparations on their boats. But some had already made up their minds. They preferred taking a tour of the island on rented scooters. Others chose to remain in their warm chairs and catch up with their family on the internet. Having been racing for the last month, the sailors' longing for their families have reached its peak. They just have to hold on for a little longer.
Apart from all this, for some of the male racers there was a visit to the island's barbershop in store. They got haircuts and shaved before the final leg.
Whatever they did, behind it all was to escape the stress of the final and critical leg about to happen in two days. Last days of sunshine warmed up these escapades.
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Last boat of the fleet arrived in Bozcaada in the evening. Jean-Pierre Nicol (Bernard Controls), arrived in the island with his preparator. After withdrawing from the last leg due to technical problems, Jean-Pierre will have at least one day to rest before he rejoins the fleet for the final leg.
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