Please select your home edition
Edition
SCIBS 2025

La Charente Maritime Bahia Transat 6.50 - Raison nears finish line

by La Charente Maritime Bahia Transat 6.50 on 31 Oct 2011
David Raison David Raison (747 – TeamWork Evolution) Pierrick Garenne / GPO
David Raison (747 – TeamWork Evolution), is closing on Barra Light tower at the entrance of Bahia’s bay as the wind drops off Salvador de Bahia in the La Charente Maritime Bahia Transat 6.50.

The Brasilian coast in that area is particularly tricky on this Sunday afternoon, with very little wind on the finish line. David is searchig for a bit more pressure along the coastline. The Estimated Time of Arrival is set for some time late in the afternoon local time, early evening European Time.

On the Series side, Gwénolé Gahinet (455 - Asso Watever -gwenolegahinet.com) is improvong his position little by little. The final results are at stake less than 600 miles from the finish line. Soo Exciting!

David Raison (747 ) TeamWork Evolution) is on the lookout. He searches for wind from the so unusual bow of his futuristic boat.

No wind at the moment! The pressure off the city of Salvador is dropping and David hunts down every bit of air on his course. First idea, head for the coast. As a result, this strange 20 miles long course straight to the coast perpendicular to the normal track followed by a brisk port tack and a new course close to the shoreline and a new boat speed close to seven knots.

Less than 50 miles from the finish, pressure fades in the air, and mental pressure builds up for David. Dark clouds, occasional showers and blazing sun alternate inside Salvador's famous bay. Will David manage to catch one of those speeding clouds and put an early and triumphant end to his race? To be continued…

For the time being, Bertrand Delesne (754 - Zone large) makes the best out of the situation, and hits a good 10, 58 knots average mark. A small 30 miles offshore margin as compared to Thomas Normand (787 - Financière de l'Echiquier) s' route explains his current advantage. Thomas however has still not given up and keeps a 20 mile lead.

A second place at the overall ranking is at stake and Thomas should not worry too much about Delesne whose 21st place in Funchal has somehow kicked him out of the fight for the podium.

Off Recife, another struggle is under way, with no less than five skippers still hoping for the overall third place, Jorg Riechers (753 – Mare.de) third in Funchal, Etienne David (679 – TeamWork) fourth, Guillaume Le Brec (667 – Occamat/ATD) fifth, Etienne Bertrand (802 – Chasseur de primes) sixth. A special mention goes to Antoine Rioux (800 - Festival des Pains) 13th in Funchal but strongly hooked in fourth place.

What a kid! Gwénolé Gahinet (455 – Asso Watever-gwenolegahinet.com) is giving the favorites a hard time. Slowly but surely, he consolidates his lead. With a 20 miles gain yesterday against Benoit Mariette (599 – Odalys Vacances), winner in Funchal, he has definitely scored a strong psychological point. Pierre Brasseur (552 – Voiles Océan) reached second place this morning for a short while. He pushed his course a little bit too far west and allowed Benoit to pass him on port side.

Gahinet must push his advantage today and increase his advance. The final battle is on. Clément Bouyssou (514 – Douet Distribution) now in fourth place and second in Funchal, Davy Beaudart (674 – Innovea Environnement) currently sixth and third in Funchal as well as Pierre Brasseur, currently third and sixth in Funchal giving it all as the end draws to a near.

La Charente Maritime Bahia Transat 6.50 website
Selden 2020 - FOOTERAllen Dynamic 40 FooterX-Yachts X4.3

Related Articles

2025 edition of fivepointfive magazine published
5.5 Metre Class now off to Poland for the first time The 2025 edition of fivepointfive Magazine was launched during the recent Alpen Cup at Riva and is now available to read online and download.
Posted today at 12:36 pm
Henri-Lloyd supports Jazz Turner's challenge
GBR para-athlete overcomes fears in attempt to break record For a young woman with multiple and complex health issues, Jazz Turner is remarkable calm as she faces her imminent departure on her around Great Britain sailing challenge.
Posted today at 8:00 am
A new IMOCA for Boris Herrmann's Team Malizia
Three teams have joined forces to build three new boats Boris Herrmann's Team Malizia announces the build of a new IMOCA racing yacht and with it, an unprecedented collaboration.
Posted today at 6:01 am
Spotlight on the stars
Top 12 highlights at the 2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show If you're looking to sample all the excitement of Australia's premiere marine lifestyle showcase, these star attractions are sure to draw the crowds.
Posted today at 4:36 am
Newcomers enter Melbourne to Apollo Bay Yacht Race
The 52 nautical mile sprint is the final race of the ORCV summer sailing program Competitors in the 2025 Melbourne to Apollo Bay Yacht Race (M2AB) will start this final offshore event of the season under the eerie cover of darkness at 0400 hours on Saturday the 24th of May.
Posted today at 4:29 am
VX One Class forms Int. Class Assoc.
Significant new chapter begins for VX One sailors with formation of an Int Class Assoc. A significant new chapter has just begun for VX One sailors worldwide with the formation of the VX One International Class Association
Posted today at 4:06 am
Whitehead finish 9th at Formula Kite Europeans
A confident return to international competition in Urla, Türkiye Australia's Breiana Whitehead has made a confident return to international competition, finishing ninth overall at the 2025 Formula Kite European Championships in Urla, Türkiye.
Posted today at 12:54 am
sMRT Alert from Wescom launches in Australia
The latest innovation from world-leading man-overboard beacon manufacturer sMRT The latest innovation from world-leading man-overboard beacon manufacturer sMRT, a Wescom Group brand, is now available for purchase through Wescom Group Australia.
Posted on 19 May
IMA Maxi Europeans day 1
Jolt takes the lead The International Maxi Association's European Championship, run by Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia out of Sorrento, began its second phase today with four days of windward-leeward and coastal racing on the Gulf of Naples.
Posted on 19 May
Formula Kite Europeans in Urla overall
Nolot and Pianosi reclaim European Titles, and Maeder wins Open Trophy Racing couldn't have been more dramatic in the medal series day of the 2025 Formula Kite European Championships. With too many passes to count, a steady eight knots and smooth, turquoise water provided a perfect playing field in Urla.
Posted on 19 May