Groupe Bel left New Zealand on schedule, on Kito's 50th birthday!

The earth quaked in New Zealand, in Christchurch in the South Island. On a technical pit stop in Wellington in the North Island, the Groupe Bel sailors have expressed their solidarity to the New Zealand population. Arriving on Sunday evening at 20:13 (UT+1) for a 48 hour stopover (the minimum imposed), Kito de Pavant and Sébastien Audigane have won their wager and set sail again this Tuesday evening at 20:13 (UT+1). On Tuesday evening for us, but already Wednesday 23 in the morning for New Zealand (+12h) and for Kito who is celebrating his 50th birthday, "the 4th cape in this round-the-world"!

Yet the two men nearly had to stay longer ashore than planned. The sails which had been sent by plane to be repaired in Auckland took advantage of one of the last flights between the two cities.

“Everyone is talking about the quake here. Incredible pictures are being constantly broadcast. It was really violent and caused serious damage. All the New Zealanders have their eyes on Christchurch. It is unfortunate, and I believe that a cyclone is also due to hit them from the North. Life isn’t really that simple on shore! It was a close call, because our sails took the last plane between Auckland and Wellington. We were very lucky. We should put our problems into perspective! There’s much worse happening around us.”

Elbow grease and well-earned sleep
They didn’t stand still for a minute. This stopover was well planned and, apart from the sails, a large number of small technical problems were solved during these two days, while the team gave their all. Fuel tanks filled, supplies topped up and two good nights’ sleep for the sailors, everything is back in marching order for this new start.

“The good surprise is that there is nothing new. The rigging and structure are in perfect condition. The sails are on board. We redid the hydrogenerator brackets, a few supplies, some rope work and some electronics. Brice is still at the masthead to adjust the masthead unit which had twisted a little. You eat better ashore and you sleep in a comfortable bed, but that breaks the rhythm at sea, which we’ll have to get back into. We’re leaving confident with still two oceans to cross!”

There is still work to be done.
After 50 days at sea in the wake of this round-the-world, Kito is coming back into the race for his 50th birthday and together with Seb, the bit is between their teeth and they are on board a boat running at 100%. This is a new order that is full of promise, even if the work will intensify a little. On the one hand, three contenders, Renault Z.E. Sailing Team, Neutrogena and Mirabaud sailed through the Cook Strait during their time ashore. On the other, their play and stopover mate, Estrella Damm, cast off this evening. Coming alongside a minute after Groupe Bel, they also left one minute after them. The trial of strength with Alex Pella and Pepe Ribes will start up again with renewed vigor! Finally, the weather is already forecasting a few difficult hours for them as they enter the Pacific Ocean.

“An anticyclone is blocking our way. There are fairly decisive options to be taken. Either we head full north, or we pass to the south and this will lengthen our route. The No. 1 objective is Barcelona! We will do everything we can to get there as quickly as possible. We’ll assess all that once we’re there! The main thing is to enjoy the race, to round Cape Horn, sail well, and set a good course and continue this fine adventure! My 50th birthday is the 4th cape in this round-the-world! I have just passed 50 very full years and I hope that it’s not over yet!”

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