2016 Transat AG2R La Mondiale gets underway in perfect conditions

by Transat AG2R La Mondiale on 3 Apr 2016 At 1308 CET, the 13th edition of the biennial Transat AG2R La Mondiale got underway – a 3,890nm transatlantic race from Concarneau to St Barts via La Palma.

Conditions for the start were light. Eight knots of breeze propelled the fleet over the start line under spinnaker and beneath the cloudy skies of Concarneau.

Of the 15 double-handed teams gathered for the start, it was Figaro young guns and pre-race favourites Charlie Dalin and Yoann Richomme who took an early and expected lead off the startline – driving away under their distinctive blue spinnaker, chased by an impressive flotilla of spectator boats.

Both only in their early 30’s, Dalin and Richomme hail from the next generation of Figaro legends. Regular names in the Class Figaro Bénéteau top five, the pairing make for a formidable duo aboard ‘Skipper Macif’ – with Dalin having won the race before onboard ‘Cercle Vert’ with Figaro giant Gildas Morvan in 2012.

Proving even the pro’s get nervous, Dalin admitted on the dock this morning: “I’m always wondering if I’ve forgotten something. The boat is 400 kilograms heavier than it would be starting the Solitaire Bompard – Le Figaro, which changes the way you sail – you have to change your set up, it changes the way the boat feels and it’s a lot more uncomfortable in swell! The first 36 to 48 hours is the time you have to right any problems.”

Both Dalin and Richomme compete annually in the 2000nm Solitaire Bompard – Le Figaro, a multi-stage solo Figaro race between European host venues.

Apprehension was the emotion of the day on the docks, for both the seasoned ocean racers and the pale faced Rookies, all preparing to race almost 4,000nm across the Atlantic aboard a 33ft boat.

British skippers Sam Matson and Robin Elsey, one of four Rookie teams and the only team without French expertise amongst their crew, also got off to a solid start aboard their Figaro ‘Artemis’. After sailing a well-put together inshore leg, the pair is now settling comfortably into sixth position as the fleet sails into the first night of competition.

Ahead of the start both Brits, from the south west of England, were in high spirits but understandably apprehensive, preparing to take on the great unknown.

“I really just want to get going now,” Elsey admitted as he left the dock. “We’ve packed up the boat with everything we think we might need and have looked at the weather for the first few days, but after that, we’re into the unknown.

“Both Sam and I prefer racing oceanic passages to inshore tactical courses and the AG2R is one long oceanic passage, so hopefully it will suit us quite well.”

After a light and tricky start to the race, conditions are set to rev up to 20 knots as the fleet approach the Bay of Biscay. Once across the formidable Bay, the fleet should then hopefully latch onto to the trade winds after La Palma.

With a consistent 20 to 25 knots currently forecast for most of the race, the 2016 Transat AG2R La Mondiale could be one of the fastest yet.

Leaving Concarneau on Sunday 3rd April, with the current forecast, the first boat could arrive at St Barts as early as Friday 22nd April.