Arrivals..
Guyader Grand Prix
This Sunday, May 12, 2019 marked the end of the 20th edition of the Grand Prix Guyader. For 10 days, enthusiasts from all over the world met in the bay of Douarnenez: offshore racers (IMOCA and Class40), sailors (Windsurfer, Dragon and Diam 24 OD) and passionate fishermen. In addition to the day's races, there were culinary events, festive evenings, sailors' songs and "collection" boats, like the Pen Duick fleet.
We will remember a first weekend of runs thanks to the presence in number of IMOCA, the arrival of the ETF26, a new support in the making, the nice performance of the Windsurfers as well as a nice second day of competition of the Groix & Nature fishing competition. If the Dragons were poorly represented in 2019, it should be different in 2020. Finally, the Diam 24 series remains as dynamic as ever with many rounds run.
This 2019 edition will have raised the question of the Rosmeur host site. Indeed, its layout and the structuring of its mooring plan need to be reviewed. " This year, conditions have forced us to move a large part of the 60-foot IMOCA boats to other ports in Finistère and that has naturally been a bit vexing. Improving the current installations would, in my opinion, be a considerable asset for the yachting industry, but also for the economic revitalisation of the city centre of Douarnenez" explains Gwen Chapalain.
Mini in May
On Friday, May 10th at 5:52pm, François Jambou (#865 Team BFR Marée Haute Jaune) was the first to cross the Mini's line in May 2019. He led the race from start to finish. Axel Tréhin (#945 Cherche Partenaire) finished in 2nd place, only 10 minutes behind the leader. Finally, Fabio Muzzolini (#716 Team BFR Marée Haute Violet) completes the podium.
Serial, Arnaud Machado (#910 Pro Yachting ) wins in front of Amélie Grassi (#944 Amélie's Mini ) and Pierre le Roy (#925 Arthur Loyd) took third place.
The Teulade Brothers Paddle Challenge
The two brothers - paddle professionals - set off from La Ciotat on Sunday, May 12, 2019 for a 200 km paddle course all the way to Corsica. After finally 6 hours of rowing, the decision was made to stop this challenge in view of the state of the crew and for safety reasons.
...and the departures
Solo Concarneau
This Sunday, May 12, the 16 figarists of the Solo Concarneau - Trophée Guy Cotten 2019 started off. On the programme was a 270 mile qualifying course for the Solitaire URGO - Le Figaro. If the fleet is fairly small compared to the 45 solo sailors in the Solo Maître Coq, this can be explained by the youth of the boat, which required an after-sales service carried out last week (6th to 12th May) in the Vendée. Even if the skippers could reach Concarneau until Saturday 11th May, the short delay may have cooled more than one of them down.
The line-up is no less of a quality with the presence of Armel Le Cleac'h (Banque Populaire), Michel Desjoyeaux (Lumibird) and Yann Eliès (Saint Michel). Let's not forget the regulars of the circuit: Martin Le Pape (Skipper Macif 2017), Gildas Morvan (Niji) and Eric Péron (French Touch).
Expected arrival Tuesday, May 14, 2019.
Engie Kite Tour
L'ENGIE KITE TOUR is the unmissable event for kiteboard enthusiasts and for the first time it was organized by the French Sailing Federation. Composed of 4 stages and open to all (amateurs and professionals) this reference circuit was inaugurated this Friday, May 10th in Hendaye. 43 kiteboarders are registered, including Nicolas Parlier, reigning World Champion, Alexandre Caizegues, speed recordman, or Chris Ballois, speed recordman, handi-kite.
A total of 21 races were launched during the three days of competition in the inaugural stage. The level was very high and it was two of the best kiteboarders in the world who won in kitefoil (Nicolas Parlier, four times world champion) and in directional board (Alexandre Caizergues, the kite legend and speed record holder).
In Twin-tip*, victory went to Peyo Cremades, a young rider from Brittany.
Race follow-ups
On Thursday 9th May 2019, the 17 solo sailors in the IMOCA class left Douarnenez for a 2000 mile course as far as Brest, via the Fastnet and the Azores. This qualifier for the Vendée Globe brings together a fleet with a variety of objectives . It's also an opportunity to discover the "little" newcomers on their own for the first time. And if there's one who succeeds in this exercise it's Sébastien Simon (Arkea-Paprec). This Saturday 11th May, he rounded the Irish lighthouse at the head of the fleet and managed to escape as his pursuers were getting stuck in a windless bubble, starting with his direct pursuer, Samantha Davies (Initiatives-C?ur). Sunday was a good day for speed with gusts to 35 knots.
But this Monday, May 13, the situation is different. After averaging 15/20 knots, the solo sailors have clearly slowed down since the middle of last night, with a progression between 6 and 10 knots. Sébastien Simon is still leading the way, but has conceded part of his lead since yesterday (this morning he has a 20 mile lead over Boris Herrmann's Malizia compared to 50 yesterday).
