Vendée Globe – Kito de Pavant heading for Les Sables d’Olonne

by Bastide Otio press service on 30 Sep 2016 At 1430hrs on Monday 26th September, Kito de Pavant left his home port of Port Camargue to make his way to Les Sables d’Olonne, where he will line up for his third Vendée Globe on 6th November. Conditions look ideal for the delivery trip for the Bastide Otio monohull, which is due to arrive in between seven and 10 days.

The start of the Vendée Globe is drawing near and Kito de Pavant is already on his way to Les Sables d’Olonne. On Monday in Port Camargue, the crowds were out on the quayside and on the water to offer their best wishes to Kito and his IMOCA 60 Bastide Otio. “There are three of us aboard for this delivery trip. Me, Vincent Bazile, a young retired sailor and old friend, and Jonathan Chodkiewiez, who has been preparing Bastide Otio for more than a year,” said Kito.

A final complete check-up for the boat
Fine weather, calm seas and a decent forecast… This week or so long delivery trip will offer the opportunity to carry out a final check of everything on the IMOCA, Bastide Otio, aboard which Kito will set sail for his third Vendée Globe on 6th November. Hardware, hydraulics, power, computing, ease of handling… they will be running through everything. After a busy September spent ashore, the skipper of Bastide Otio will be able to focus on the round the world voyage that lies ahead this winter. “This week I’ll be out there sailing,” announced a happy Kito a few hours before casting off. “After all these months of preparation, it’s nice to get back out there again. I must say I’m pleased to be able to get back to being a sailor, as it’s been a while now... The conditions look favourable for the Mediterranean crossing to Gibraltar.”

Due in Les Sables d’Olonne at the end of next week
While you can never entirely trust the forecasts, the crew on Bastide Otio should be able to get to Port Olona quickly. The NW’ly wind expected at the start will veer northerly and then easterly as they get to Gibraltar. Then, there is a transition zone after Cape Saint-Vincent in the south of Portugal, with a northerly wind developing, meaning 24 hours of upwind sailing. To finish, the SW’ly should propel the crew straight towards Les Sables d’Olonne across the Bay of Biscay.

“This will be a quick delivery for Bastide Otio, but we won’t be pushing too hard, as we don’t want to take any unnecessary risks with the gear,” added Kito de Pavant. Late next week, Bastide Otio should be moored up at the Vendée Globe pontoon, which will leave Kito a full week to rest before the Village opens on Saturday 15th October for three weeks of festivities leading up to start on 6th November.