Route du Rhum Day 1 / First selection

After an amazing start under perfect conditions to see the Ultimes flying, the wind is blowing up on the 11th Route du Rhum fleet.

As usual when he is in a race, François Gabart is leading the Ultimes fleet, closely followed by the veteran Francis Joyon, and Armel Le Cleac'h who lost 60 NM in a technical pit stop in Riscoff. Unfortunately, Sebastien Josse and Thomas Coville facing severe damages to their trimarans, are heading to La Coruna to shelter and most probably to abandon the race.

In Multi 50, Lalou Roucayrol built a 50 NM difference with most of the fleet lead by Armel Tripon. Sadly, Erwan Leroux, winner in 2014, is sailing back, since a rudder breakdown caused a serious water ingress.

Finally, the Rhum Multi numerous and heterogeneous fleet is spread all around the Biscay Bay. Pierre Antoine is a serious leader, clearly in front of Jean-François Liti and Etienne Hochede on the surprising Pir2. While very strong winds, over 35 knots are awaited this Tuesday, options varies a lot between  JeanPierre Balmes far North and Bertrand de Broc or Christophe Guyader far east, alongside the coast, obviously ready to shelter if the conditions are worse than expected.

The rae is just fascinating in every categories, thus, stay tuned tomorrow same time for another multi summary!