️1st day of racing ️
It’s been 24 hours since the 85 boats set off on the Mini Fastnet 2024, heading for BXA, a buoy off the coast of Bordeaux.
The first boats have just passed the BXA buoy in the Bay of Biscay, heading for the next way point before beginning the climb back up towards Douarnenez.
The rest of the fleet should pass BXA this evening.
️2nd day of racing ️
The whole fleet has already covered half the course. The crews have now started the climb back towards Brittany! Things are moving fast, very fast!
Today, after analysing the latest weather forecasts, the conditions look rough for some of the fleet, but passable. It has been decided not to stop the race at Porte de la Jument. The competitors are therefore expected to arrive in the port of Douarnenez early on Thursday morning.
News from the skippers:
Withdrawal of n°800, METIER INTERIM, skippered by Juliette Bataille and Erwan Le Mené due to a broken bowsprit.
Withdrawal of the 1108, KEVLAU, skippered by Daniel Maurice-Vallerey and Thierry Levayer. The boat turned back this morning towards Douarnenez due to a technical problem. We have just learned that it is a bowsprit problem and that she will not be setting sail again.
Withdrawal of n°947, DES PIEDS ET DES MAINS, skippered by Alix Jaekel and Maria Sol Massera, due to a broken bowsprit. The crew reported their withdrawal via the accompanying boat EVIDENCE. The boat is now heading for La Rochelle.
️ No. 825, RHINO, skippered by Basile MARIE and Joris Cocaud, dismated early this evening. The whole crew is doing well. They were able to set up a small jury rig and are making headway at 2 knots towards La Rochelle. The No. 870, PACIFIC, skippered by Louis-Gabriel Reinbold and Martin Taillandier, is alongside them to provide a VHF link with the CROSS while they organise the return to shore. The La Rochelle centre’s trainer, François Husson, picked up the tug this morning at 10:40. The crew is doing well.
Abandonment of n°1075, ARTC – SLOOP, skippered by Nicolas Cousi and Hugo Lauras, due to material damage, she is returning to Crouesty. The abandonment was reported to DIEGO, the accompanying boat.
Abandonment of n°1007, CAMARADE, skippered by Pierre De Saint Victor and Nicolas Dupard, due to a broken bowsprit. The boat reported its withdrawal to the accompanying boat, DIEGO. She is returning to Lorient.
Link to the map : https://carto.oceantracking.fr/minifastnet/carto