Concarneau. Technical stop for two rookies of the Route du Rhum
Alexia Barrier and her Imoca 4Myplanet arrived Tuesday afternoon technical stop at the port of Concarneau. Nicolas Jossier on his class 40 Manorga, in the middle of the mainsail, had arrived a little earlier. They should leave as soon as repairs are made. And that the weather window will open.
In the Kairos kitchen, the small solidarity company of Roland Jourdain and Sophie Vercelletto on the left bank of the port of Concarneau, he smelled a good smell of couscous on Tuesday afternoon. Around the table, Alexia Barrier, skipper of the Route du Rhum on her Imoca 4Myplane and surrounded by her team, tired face, savoring the meal concocted at the last minute by Sandra, the cook of the place.
Outside, under an autumn rain of Brittany, moored to the pontoon near the fairing area, the 4Myplanet, slapped by the winds, far from the road drawn to reach Point-à-Pitre.
As in harbor at Concarneau. And for good reason. The severe storm in the Bay of Biscay, the Mediterranean sailor had to resign herself to shelter while sailing some 175 miles west of the blue city. Like a quarter of the fleet of the Route du Rhum, after two days of navigation, disseminated as a stopover in the Finistère ports, or farther, from the Atlantic, until the depression weakens. But not only. Especially because his anemometer, supposed to give him the information on the strength and direction of the wind, had decided not to answer.
Dangerous as the sailor was sailing with four reefs in the mainsail and 6-meter troughs and the wind was shifting to the northwest. "It was not easy to tinker in the waves. After talking to the race director, I preferred to turn around right away to fix, "she says. No doubt "a bad for a good" before starting again at the end of the week.
The ship, the famous Penguin launched in 1998 for Catherine Chabaud, prepared for the Route du Rhum, in September and October in the Kairos shipyard, should be operational quickly. "It will be necessary to wait for a good weather window to leave," says Alexia Barrier. Until Wednesday, the conditions are not good. Thursday, it improves but a new big depression arrives with more than 45 knots of wind. I will be able to delay the departure until Sunday. I've always said that I ride this Route du Rhum first and foremost to finish it. And ensure my qualifying miles for the next Vendée Globe. "
Nicolas Jossier on his class 40 Manorga, docked at the pontoon Explore Tuesday noon, has also decided to make a technical stop at Concarneau. Blame it on a serious Mainsail damage. The Granvillais, rookies on the race as Alexia Barrier, will take the time to leave "in good conditions and once the mainsail has been appraised". Not to risk losing a boat "rented" for the race.
On the left bank of the Moros, the navigator, a regular in the Tour de France sailing or Solitaire, carrying messages for France lymphoma hope associations or the French Federation of Diabetics, can count on the support of the team of Kairos and Sandra the cook. He was also able to warm up with a couscous after "very little sleep since departure".
Both sailors have until December 3, closing date of the finish line, to connect Pointe-à-Pitre. " We have time ! It will do it, "adds Berrier.