Bol d’Or - Ladycat ready for action on Lake Geneva
by Spindrift Racing on 15 Jun 2013
Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing Chris Schmid/Spindrift Racing
The 75th edition of the legendary Bol d’Or will begin on Saturday, June 15 at 1000hrs on Lake Geneva. This extraordinary multiclass regatta, with 600 boats, is sure to live up to its reputation. Among the colourful fleet on the starting line, will be the eleven D35s intent on showing their class in this prestigious long-distance challenge. Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing, winner of the 2010 edition, will be hoping to make an impression again and go up in the overall standings of the Vulcain Trophy. The first woman to have won the Bol d’Or, in 2010, Dona Bertarelli, the skipper of Ladycat, will participate for the seventh time in this celebrated race 'This race is legendary, it has that magic of bringing together boat owners, enthusiasts and professionals on the same start line,' Bertarelli said. 'It’s a prestigious challenge run on one of the largest lakes in Europe. You have to read the weather conditions, which change rapidly both in strength and direction. Lake Geneva has more than 12 major winds and it is not uncommon during a Bol d’Or to have to navigate through many of them. ' Beyond the beauty of this race, the competition looks very interesting. It is a high-level fleet and the rule to win the Bol d’Or is difficult. For Bertarelli there is added motivation: 'To keep the real Bol d’Or trophy you have to win it three times in five years. Some sailors have managed this remarkable feat. If I have the chance to win again I will be very proud.' There are many difficulties on a course such as the Bol d’Or. It is important to stay focused to keep making good decisions, as Bertarelli explained: 'Everyone has a chance to win on a course like the Bol d’Or. It is obvious that this is a race and some teams are very fast, but it’s not only about speed, the tactics and how to manage the many transitions are equally important. I will focus on getting a good start and stay in contact with the fleet. Then you have to seize your opportunities when they arise.'
Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing’s crew: Dona Bertarelli (skipper) Yann Guichard Emmanuelle Rol Billy Besson Antoine Carraz Devan Le Bihan
Spindrift Racing website
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/110801