Since yesterday speeds among the leading group on the Transat CIC have dropped significantly. Leader Yoann Richomme (PAPREC ARKÉA) has made less than 20 miles over the last four hours, second placed Boris Herrmann (Malizia Seaexplorer) is just 17 miles behind Richomme and making the same kind of speeds this morning, that is to say less than five knots.
They are in the grip of the very light winds generated by a high pressure ridge which is centred offshore of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The leaders should be able to get into a modest SW’ly breeze after it daylight, but this last night of the Transat CIC for the top trio has been frustrating, requiring maximum concentration. Richomme was 156 miles from the finish at 0600hrs French time and is expected in this afternoon or evening. . Sam Davies (Initiatives Coeur) is holding on to third at 68.5 miles behind Richomme. Clarissee Crémer has arrived safely in the Azores and her team will be assessing the bulkhead damage to Loccitaine en Provence. Alan Roura is making fair progress on HUBLOT in 11th after reporting damage to his port foil yesterday. In the Class40s Ambrogio Beccaria (Alla Grande Pirelli) leads by over 70 miles with just under 800 miles to go to the finish line.
Updated Sam Davies reported in this morning, "Here is my postcard. It's gray, humid and it's chilly, just 6 to 8 degrees. Plus there's no wind. It's weird after an fast Transatr to find yourself in a calm, without it moving without noise or vibrations...A soft landing....Sure there is a little stress in terms of racing, but I keep things in perspective and try to keep calm. I gave my all over these last 8 days and I'm giving it everything until the finish."
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