Back to Rimouski for the leading boats and abandonment of a racer

by Robert Dorais on 14 Jul 2011 The four boats ahead of the Route-Rimouski Rimouski-Anticosti have now Anticosti Island in their wake. Winds from the north last night allowed them to cross this morning the northwest point and leave the Strait of Jacques Cartier. Bleu Salin’Eau and Ocean Phoenix and were the first, followed by Defiant and Survenant. For Georges Leblanc, Eric Tabardel, Jean Trottier and Marcel Côté, they are already on their way back to Rimouski. However Réjean Desgagné of Sarah-Priscilla and Paul Bellemare of Indigo are still on the north coast of Anticosti.

The weather forecast a weakening of the winds in these areas of the North Shore from mid-day the north winds have provided beautiful yachts speed during the evening and last night. Following the race is likely to be nerve-racking for skippers and crew if the prediction is confirmed.

The local sailors advocate to stay as long as possible along the North Shore prior to head directly to Rimouski. Some predict the arrival of boats Thursday morning but the changing conditions make this prediction difficult.

Only one Mini 6.50 remains in the race: Benjamin, who suffered from spinnaker troubles, turned back last night at the height of Cloridorme. Pogo Loco for its part sail along the southern half of Anticosti.

The evolution of sailboats can be watched on the website of the regatta (www.regates-rimouski.com) through positions provided by the Spot locator installed on board. Note that the tracking web page, designed by CIDCO in Rimouski, received over 5000 visitors a day from the start, proof that offshore racing generates interest.

On the other hand, Rimouski has the privilege of hosting the team of an Internet radio site CVEL voileenligne.com which broadcasts two daily shows live from the Marina of Rimouski at 8:00 and 16:00. The public can go there for the live show or listen to the program from the website. The show is hosted by Louis Hardy and aired by Daniel Levesque.

Route Rimouski-Anticosti is part of the marine festival, Cap à l’Es, le fleuve en fête, to celebrate the St. Lawrence River and it’s organized by the Nautical Station Rimouski-Mitis and presented by the Canadian Wildlife Federation.

www.regates-rimouski.com