One of the most historic races in the offshore sailing calendar is due to start this Sunday, 85 boats will cross the start line off the small French port of St. Malo for the 3, 500 mile transatlantic race that will see the fleet finish on the French island of Guadeloupe.
Oman Air Majan skipper Sidney Gavignet is in the final phases of preparing for this challenge. The port of St. Malo operates a lock system into the harbour, and with so many boats due to start on Sunday, some of the fleet are set to leave the dock today (30.10.10) and will remain outside the harbour overnight ahead of the race start tomorrow. Oman Air Majan is due to leave the dock at approximately 1530 CET, so she must be 100% prepared, as no work can be done on her once she has left the dock.
“Everything has been loaded onboard ready for the race, every system has been checked and double checked, so we are ready to go. It’s hard when you get to this point because in many ways you are willing the race to start, and yet you are aware of the people you are leaving behind. The final 24 hours are mainly about the tactics and weather for the race. I’ll working closely with the team around me to work out the best strategy for the race based on the latest forecast. It’s not looking too windy for the start, but conditions are set to increase after the first 24 hours or so. This race is so short and it can easily be won or lost in the first part of the race, which means it’s so important to get it right, ‘ Oman Air Majan skipper Sidney Gavignet.
Sidney will have a team working around the clock whilst he is racing. His core group includes Marcel Van Triest (FRA), who will provide all the weather routing for Sidney during the race. Sebastian Proteau (CAN) who will act as Sidney’s technical shore support 24 hours a day for the duration of the race. Sidney is also being supported on shore by and Sam Davies (UK), already an established offshore sailor in her own right, and also a good friend. This time last year Sidney and Sam competed together in the two handed Transat Jacques Vabre race. Sebastian and Sam will be Sidney’s link back to shore, they will provide support for him and advice on any issues he maybe experiencing onboard during the race. They will also be his eyes on the ground, as they keep track of the other competitors to monitor their tactics and send news through to Sidney during the race.
“Seb and I will be there to provide support for Sidney whether it’s technical, weather, tactics or just for general encouragement. We will also try and monitor the other competitors and let Sidney know of any news that might impact him and ultimately help him in the race. Our other job will be to check his performance on the race course, to monitor his speeds and make sure he is getting the very best out of the boat. It will be very different for me to see the other side of the team when the race is on, so I’m looking forward to the challenge. Oman Air Majan is an amazing boat and the shore team have done a fantastic job in getting her ready, the Ultimate class will be one of the most exciting in the race and it should be a great race to follow,” Sam Davies.
The race village is central to the race. Thousands of spectators line the harbour throughout the day hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite boat or sailor. “The atmosphere in St.Malo is amazing. I haven’t seen anything like this before. This region has a huge love and respect for the sea and this event, it is so exciting to see the crowds taking in these boats and the event ahead of the race,“ Mohammed Al Shikelp – General Manager of Marketing Oman Air.
From Oman sail
