Testing start for Dolan in Transat AG2R La Mondiale
by Tom Dolan Racing 25 Apr 2018 03:07 PDT
Smurfit Kappa-CerFrance - Transat AG2R La Mondiale 2018 © Tom Dola
It's been a challenging first few days for Irish ocean racer Tom Dolan and French co-skipper Tanguy Bouroullec as they take on a gruelling 4,000-mile race across the Atlantic.
Light winds dogged the fleet of 20 identical Figaro Bénéteau racing yachts following the start of the Transat AG2R La Mondiale from Concorneau, France, on Sunday April 22.
Dolan and Bouroullec, racing on Smurfit Kappa-CerFrance, had a slow start after picking up seaweed on their keel and rudders but managed to pick their way back up to 12th place.
Four days into the race the wind has finally picked up, and today speeds on the boat were up into the mid-teens as they dive south along the coast of Portugal.
"After a typical Dolan start where we were last leaving Concarneau thanks to sea weed issues we managed to work our way back up the fleet a bit," Dolan reported from onboard last night approaching Cape Finisterre.
"It's not easy keeping with the best in the game but we're happy enough. After two days crossing Biscay in light winds its finally up to 25 knots, the ballast tanks are full the rudders are spread and the drysuit is being dusted off.
"Smurfit Kappa-CerFrance is over on her ear and screaming along. Macif is just ahead and Teamwork just behind."
The Transat AG2R La Mondiale is the first major test for 30-year-old Dolan, from Kells in County Meath, in the ultra-competitive Figaro Bénéteau class since stepping up from the Mini 6.50 fleet at the start of 2018.
The race, finishing in St Barts in the Caribbean, comes just months after Dolan raced solo across the Atlantic in the 2017 Mini Transat in which he placed sixth overall in a fleet of 56.
Earlier this year Dolan teamed up with eco-friendly packaging giant Smurfit Kappa to launch his bid for the 2018 Figaro season and jointly promote a message of sustainability and innovation.
Among the Transat AG2R La Mondiale fleet are 2016 Figaro La Solitaire winner Yann Richomme and reigning serie division Mini Transat champion Erwan La Draoulec as well as Vendee Globe racers Morgan Lagraviere and Thomas Ruyant.
Follow Tom's progress on his Facebook page. The race can be followed on the official tracker.