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 (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