La Charente-Maritime/Bahia Transat 6.50 navigating the chicane

6:20 PM Wed 28 Sep 2011 GMT

'La Charente-Maritime/Bahia Transat 6.50 2011' &copy Jean-Michel Rieupeyrout

When looking at the La Charente-Maritime/Bahia Transat 6.50 prototypes leaders from the start, we see a chicane course. In the first hours of the race, they were south, below the direct course line but shifted back onto that line during Monday through Tuesday nights.

Those that chose the North option were in pole position at noon. Jorg Riechers (753 - Mare.de) was sailing at the speed of five to six knots holding first position for the prototypes. He was five miles ahead of S?bastien Rogues (716 - Eole Generation - GDF SUEZ) and over 13 miles ahead of Bertrand Delesne (754 - Zone Large). Jorg, in addition to leading the rankings, is gradually coming back to the direct route line.

In his wake is most of the fleet that has more or less shifted in to the north. Three prototypes are trying to get out of this windless area along the coast of Asturias: Etienne David (679 - Team Work), Lucas Montagne (718 - Ong Conseil) and Guillaume Le Brec (667 - Occamat/ATD). All three are moving between 11th and 27th rankings, but must quickly leave the weather nightmare if they do not want to slip further.

The series fleet is scattered on both sides of the direct route. Once again, supporters of the North have chased yesterday's leaders. Gw?nol? Gahinet (455 - Asso Watever - gwenolegahinet.com), leading yesterday at noon, is now back in 16th. Pierre Brasseur (552 - Voiles Oc?an) second yesterday fifth thanks to a Northern route. Davy Beaudart (674 - Innovea Environnement) is the new leader followed by Pierre Cizeau (746 - Masqhotel) and Andrea Pendibene (520 - Intermatica- ITA-520). There are 14 series with less than 10 miles between them.

Part of the fleet will cross the Cape Finisterre tonight ... Jorg at 12.00 was 68 miles of the Spanish foreland. The wind has gradually changed to the South and the Southwest swell is beginning to be felt, as they sail towards the west. The sky is cloudy and the fleet could even find a few showers. They will have to take a subtle approach of the Spanish Cape, trying not to travel too close to the legendary Cape. They still risk finding the variable winds zones, either in strength or direction and sailors cannot forget the cargo traffic and the fishing fleets that are everywhere.

The journey will not be easy or relaxed, especially for skippers forced to take micro naps since the start of the race, just to stay in the game. They must advantage of every gust...

Prototypes boats ranking on the 28th at noon (French time) - 33 boats:

1. Jorg Riechers (753 - Mare.de)- 831,8 miles from finish
2. S?bastien Rogues (716 - Eole Generation - GDF SUEZ) - 836,56 miles from finish
3. Bertrand Delesne (754 - Zone Large) - 845.1 miles from finish

Series boats ranking on the 28th at noon (French time) - 46 boats:

1. Davy Beaudart (674 -Innovea Environnement) - 865,1 miles from finish
2. Pierre Cizeau (746 - Masqhotel) - 868,71 miles from finish
3. Andrea Pendibene (520 - Intermatica-ITA 520) - 868,73 miles from finish

General synopsis and further for next 48 hours by Meteo Consult:

Today: 1033 hPa anticyclone centered on Germany falters on site to 1031 hPa. Low winds southeast into the Gulf of Biscay. Low wind conditions between zone Cantabrico and Finisterre. The reason is the influence of a small high pressure cell centered at 12 TU per 44N/7W extending north along 6?W at 18TU. Depression 49N/15W 1001 hPa to 12 TU is filled by moving to the west of Ireland.

Very active cold front associated with this depression progressing to 18TU 10W. Plan moderate south west of 9W.

Tomorrow: The anticyclone over Germany remains stationary. The low flows southeast remains in the Bay of Biscay. Depression at 991 hPa centered 6TU 48N/23W by widening sharply. It goes back to Iceland during the day. The active cold front associated with this depression is centered along the 6TU at 21W. It progresses eastward deactivating. Friday OTU, it focuses by 35N/20W, 43N/15W, 50N11W. This situation generates a building in front of the flow of the south west of 9? W. The south west swell is growing.

La Charente-Maritime/Bahia Transat website

by Veronique Largeau, amended Sail-World.com