After splitting the fleet: tension in the Transat Jacques Vabre
In the 16th Transat Jacques Vabre, an exciting scenario has arisen after the Imoca fleet was split in two. A group of runaways on a westerly course are seeking their fortune in the north for the time being. Towards the end of the first of around two weeks at sea, the majority of the fleet will be sailing the classic southerly course. The latter also applies to Boris Herrmann and Will Harris on "Malizia - Seaexplorer". The duo were back in the top ten on the sixth day of the sailing classic across the Atlantic after compass problems and a comeback, among other things.
On Sunday, everything initially pointed to advantages for the western group. Leader "Teamwork.net" with Swiss skipper Justine Mettraux and Julien Vallion had built up an impressive lead of around 250 nautical miles over the fastest yacht in the southern group. With around 2400 nautical miles to the finish port of Fort-de-France on Martinique, this was a strong cushion.
On the other hand, the best boats in the southern group have already passed the light-winded high-pressure zone, which the western group will also have to master at some point as it dives into the south. Before that, the western group will also have to overcome two stormy areas of low pressure on Monday and Wednesday, while the southern sailors can hope for more favorable conditions.
Boris Herrmann is focusing primarily on the south because he can compete with the best in class there a year before his second solo circumnavigation in the Vendée Globe. "We could also have been the strong guys on the northern route. But we're on a southerly course to learn and compete with the best boats in the fleet." The finish of the first Imocas around November 20 at the latest will show which course was the better one.
In the 16th Transat Jacques Vabre sailing race, Boris Herrmann and Will Harris on "Malizia - Seaexplorer" are currently following the traditional southerly course, choosing to sail alongside the best boats in the fleet for valuable learning experiences ahead of Herrmann's Vendée Globe challenge next year. Despite initially being behind due to compass problems, these sailors have managed to recover and maintain their position in the top ten, demonstrating their resilience and determination in the 16th Sailing of the Transat Jacques Vabre.
Source: www.dpa.com
