The skippers had to spend last night at sea to position themselves on the start line on time for the official race start today. In most races the start is within view or reach of the land, but with a strict exclusion zone in place off the east coast of the US to protect marine mammals, this race starts far out to sea. This measure aims to minimize the risk of collisions with marine mammals in the area. The IMOCA skippers are out there without their support teams, who normally help them prepare for the start and jump off just a few minutes before the starting signal.
There will also be no spectator boats to witness their departure. But this is ocean racing and all the skippers will be focussed on the task ahead — to cross the Atlantic as fast and as safely as they can. The fleet should start in fairly light winds that will gradually strengthen over the coming days. The current situation has Clarisse sitting between two fronts in a low pressure trough, the conditions are light 5 — 12 knots with winds generally from the west.
The seastate is not remarkable with waves around 1m in height, but with a 6 second period between waves it will still be uncomfortable out there even in light winds. Crossing the line will earn some skippers their place in the coveted Vendee Globe, for Clarisse she needs all the miles available that this race offers. Antigua Sailing Week, organisers, are thrilled to announce the launch of its newest addition: the Antigua Cruising Rally.
This inaugural event, will follow the same scheduled dates as the regatta, offering a unique experience for sailing enthusiasts who enjoy a more leisurely pace on the water while exploring the island's stunning landscapes.
For many of the skippers and crews who have registered to race in the Transpac, the event is one they return to time and time again. No job has ever been too big or too small for Oldsie. Currently 27th in the race he is more than 2, miles from the finish, at the longitude of Cape Verde in a group of five skippers. Arnaud explained that he had secured his boat. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.
