Finisterre – There is a complex weather situation in the near Atlantic. Fall has arrived suddenly and seems to be taking up residence in the Bay of Biscay. For sailors and organisers alike the catch phrase is the same: “Hurry up and wait.” However, the village continues to live to the rhythm of the race and events planned in case of a stand-by will be put into action next week.
On Saturday Guadeloupe will be the guest of honor in the village. Highlights will include: a visit to the village by a delegation from Guadeloupe, the baptism of François Lamy’s boat (566), the only skipper to sail under the colors of the island, in the presence of Laura Flessel double Olympic fencing champion and a native of Pointe-à-Pitre, a media briefing by Jacques Bangou, Mayor of Pointe-à-Pitre, and a welcome to the destination for Mini Transat competitors past and present. The day will bring the spicy colors of Guadeloupe to the race village of Port Rhu.
First difficult days
On board, the competitors go about the final preparations. The pressure has dropped and now many of them are wondering when the next weather window will open. Most, however, are not under any illusions about the conditions they may encounter between Douarnenez and Cape Finisterre. Regardless, even if the wind conditions are manageable, the residual sea will be rough and crossing the Bay of Biscay will certainly not be a walk in the park. In the short term, there does not seem to be any real weather window. However, the organisation will provide a daily news briefing to the competitors. If an opportunity presents itself, we must be responsive enough to seize it.
Killing time
For the sailors, the biggest challenge is now to adapt to this new situation. They have been mentally prepared for months to be ready for the October 13 and these few days of delay can quickly turn into an obsession pending a good start. It’s about finding the right balance between a necessary detachment from the race and the need to stay mentally positive and in competition mode. Until Sunday, the sailors will spend most of their time with their partners, friends and family. On Sunday, competitors may choose to participate in a parade of sail on the course of the prologue. After that it will become tenser. Some have already planned physical activities, substituting jogging, windsurfing or surfing for yachting. Others who live close to Douarnenez are taking advantage of the opportunity to spend some time at home. But there is no ideal solution. The art of compromise is also needed ashore.
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