Start postponed: "A wise decision" according to Kito and Yann

Although there was some doubt yesterday evening, the verdict fell this morning at around 9:30. In agreement with the sailors, the organizers of the Transat Jacques Vabre decided to postpone the start of the race, initially planned for this Sunday at 13:02. It is true that although the weather conditions are mild today and for the next 24 hours, a low pressure area in the Atlantic generating winds of above 45 knots would have threatened the fleet as of Tuesday, and for at least 48 hours. More than the strength of the wind, the condition of the sea, with 8 to 10 meter troughs, was what drove the organizers to this decision. The start of this 10th Transat Jacques Vabre will not be before Wednesday. In the meanwhile, Groupe Bel and the whole of the fleet have left the Paul Vatine dock pontoons and are taking part in a 13 mile prologue off Le Havre. This will offer the public a chance to take some fine pictures, as well as the Bel workers, many whom have to come along to encourage Kito de Pavant and Yann Régniau.

Kito de Pavant’s reaction to the postponement of the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre:
“For 4 to 5 days, we knew that a large low pressure area would cover the North Atlantic. This is a very violent phenomenon for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. For the last 24 hours, there was much discussion between the classes to see whether it was reasonable or not to take to the starting line. The IMOCA class was mostly in favor of a start today, but the decision was taken out of solidarity for the other classes. There are 36 boats in the marina. The aim is to see 36 at the finish in Costa Rica! At this stage, with the weather conditions forecast, we would not have been able to envisage this, since there is a real risk of damage. All the teams and all the sailors stand by each other and so the decision was taken to set off on Wednesday at the earliest.

I am not disappointed, since I am not reckless and it would have been a difficult week for everyone. I am confident in my crew and my boat, but if everyone can get to the finish, then I applaud this collective decision.”

Yann Régniau’s reaction on the pontoons this morning:
“I support this decision since, on the one hand, it will stop us from being dare devils and, on the other, it will prevent half the fleet being decimated. In the end, it is best that everyone should leave at the same time; that there will be only one class, which will be good for the media. We had set our minds on setting sail today, so we will be able to take advantage of the day to sail in front of Le Havre for the entertainment of the public, sponsors and guests. We are going to take part in a real double-handed regatta if the weather is good. It’s going to be good fun!”

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