La Solitaire du Figaro - Leg 4 sets off + Video
by Artemis Offshore Academy on 23 Aug 2011
Leg four start - La Solitaire du Figaro 2011 SW
La Solitaire du Figaro’s fourth and final leg got underway on Sunday August 21st in Les Sables d’Olonne, the home of the Vendee Globe. The start of the leg welcomed hundreds of spectators who lined the channel as the fleet of 46 Figaro boats made its way from the town to the sea. This 430 nm leg follows the Brittany coast from Les Sables d’Olonne, around to Brest and on to Dieppe on a mainly coastal course.
The start was delayed by several minutes after a general recall, but once the race was underway Sam Goodchild (Artemis) made the best of the light N-NW winds to pass the first mark of the short inshore course in third position.
The 21 year old was just one place behind Leg 3 winner and overall leader, Jeremie Beyou (BPI). Goodchild kept up with the leaders throughout the inshore course, passing the Radio France mark in fourth and leading the Rookie class.
After 23 hours at sea Phil Sharp (The Spirit of Independence) is in 18th position, with Goodchild just under half a mile behind in 21st position, both in the top half of the fleet. Conrad Humphreys (DMS) is currently lying in 33rd position with Nigel King (E-Line Orthodontics) in 40th place.
'It’s the start of the last leg so it’s quite exciting, everyone wants to finish on a high and I’m definitely not giving up yet' explained Goodchild.
'A lot could happen in this leg, there’s a shifty wind and definitely lots of tidal gates to win or lose. I’ve slept a lot in the last few days, rested and eaten well so I’m as ready to go as I think I can be.'
This final leg of the Solitaire du Figaro is a tactical and physically demanding coastal course which will leave the sailors with little time to sleep on this final leg. The current overall leader Jeremie Beyou has a secure 34-minute lead on Fabien Delahaye in second place, however in this one-design Figaro class anything can happen and its all to play for. Sharp who is keen to capitalise on his good results in earlier legs has still got his eyes firmly set on the ‘Rookie’ prize.
Before the start Sharp reported: 'The finish is getting near, I’m confident of what I’ve learnt in the last few legs has made me stronger and there’s every chance of being in the front group again if it all goes to plan. I’ve got nothing to lose, I’m just going to go for it. I’ve only got 40 minutes to make up on first place in the Rookie class and there’s everything to play for I think.'
The weather forecast for this leg had been uncertain, with two different models offering conflicting scenarios. But as the sailors made their way to the start line it looked as if there was finally a clearer picture of what lies ahead over the next few days:
'I’m feeling really, really good actually. The weather models are starting to come into line, it could be a quicker leg than forecast - maybe under three days, possibly two and a half' informed Humphreys.
'The key position of this low pressure has been the difficult point. I feel in good shape, I really want to stay with the pack, I really want to learn as much as I can going into next year. I feel really good, I feel confident, happy and relaxed with what is ahead.'
The British Artemis Offshore Academy sailors have spent the last few days relaxing in Les Sables d’Olonne and for King who is in his third Solitaire race, his long-term goal was never far from his mind:
'The Vendée Globe has always been the ambition from day one. Finding sponsorship is getting increasingly difficult in this economic climate but you’ve got to carry on, do it with a smile on your face because at the end of the day this is something we want to do extra above the normal life stuff.
I think it’s important to have dreams, to keep working at them but recognise you’ve got to enjoy the moments you are in not just searching for the future.'
The sailors are due to arrive in Dieppe at the end of the 2011 Solitaire du Figaro on Wednesday morning. The Overall winner of the 2011 Solitaire du Figaro will be the skipper with the lowest elapsed racing time over all four legs.
La Solitaire du Figaro website
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