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ARMEL LE CLÉAC'H CONFIRMS HIS QUALIFICATION FOR THE ROUTE DU RHUM
Party Saturday afternoon from Lorient aboard Maxi Popular Bank IX, Armel Le Cléac'h, has completed this morning the qualification for the 40th Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe. The mandatory 1200 nautical mile trip was completed in two and a half days, this was the opportunity for the skipper to make his first solo sailing since the launch.
During the course chosen by Armel, he was able to experience very important variations of speed while descending in the Bay of Biscay, then looking for more muscular conditions up to 30 knots of wind off Cape Finisterre. A first test that represents almost a third of the course that the skipper must find on the Route du Rhum Destination Guadeloupe. must find on the Route du Rhum Destination Guadeloupe.
The next step in the program is to move from focus to performance in the days ahead. Armel will face tomorrow his direct opponents in Port-la-Forêt for a first 24-hour training.
Armel Le Cléac'h, skipper of Maxi Banque Populaire IX:
" 1200 miles in just over two and a half days. This is not a very high average for a boat like ours but it's pretty good! It is especially the second part of the qualification which was interesting, was realized in less than 24 hours. The conditions are quite close to what we will have on the Route du Rhum, especially in the trade winds, with wind bearing, it was essential to test the trimaran, to seek this type of conditions that we have not had since the launch Alizes, with wind bearing, it was essential to test the trimaran, to get this type of conditions that we have not had since launching .Until then, with Team Banque Populaire, we have taken the boat in hand. Everything works perfectly. We did not have a bad surprise. It is important for me to go solo sailing in Route du Rhum configuration. It was the first time I had done it since the launch. To regain confidence, manage his sleep, maneuvers, analyze all the systems that have been added since the capsize. All this is reassuring. Today, we have taken a big step towards the Route du Rhum. These two days at sea, it is almost a third of the route of the Route du Rhum and it is essential to train in real conditions , "explains Armel.
Photos: Y.Zedda / BPCE
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