First podium for Quentin at French Solo Ocean Racing Championship

by Arkema on 24 Apr 2017 This past weekend, Quentin Vlamynck took part in the Pornichet Select, the first race of this season’s French Solo Ocean Racing Championship, on board his Mini 6.50 Arkema 3 prototype.

After sailing from Pornichet at around 1 pm on 22 April, the skipper crossed the finish line in second position at 5.22 am on Monday 24 April, after a 40 hour eight minute race. Enjoying excellent conditions over the course’s 300 nautical miles (555 km), with 20.59 knot (37km/hr) top speed, Quentin made the most of his innovative machine and demonstrated the potential of his boat to the 24 other prototypes participating in the race. A result that augurs well for the next events, including the Mini Transat 2017 race.

Reaction from Quentin Vlamynck (Arkema 3) on arrival:

“The race went very well, in particular the first night when we had perfect conditions for Arkema 3. The boat was sailing with the wind on the beam and we reached great average speeds, with a peak of over 20 knots. We know that the boat sails well with the wind from astern, but we have to improve its versatility. I could feel a speed differential as soon as the wind angle got tighter or when I was sailing upwind, with a headwind.

It did me good to be sailing at the front of the fleet in this race, with Ian. Competing against others is the best way to fine-tune the boat’s settings. It will keep my mind focused for the next races.”

The Mini 6.50 Arkema 3 will head for La Rochelle tomorrow for a week’s training, before heading back to southern Brittany and La Trinité-sur-Mer to take part in the Mini en Mai race from 9 to 14 May.

Rankings (before judges’ decision) of Pornichet Select 2017 race

1°) Ian LIPINSKY (Griffon.fr) – arrived Monday 24 April at 2.52 am
2°) Quentin VLAMYNCK (Arkema 3) – arrived Monday 24 April at 5.22 am
3°) Erwan LE MENE (Canopus) – arrived Monday 24 April at 8.54 am