Davy Beaudart wins La Solitaire du Figaro Stage 1 as Duthil penalised for engine seal infringement
by La Solitaire du Figaro 26 Aug 2022 06:47 AEST
25 August 2022
Davy Beaudart wins La Solitaire du Figaro Stage 1 after Fred Duthil penalised for engine sealing infringement © Alexis Courcoux
French rookie Davy Beaudart (Nauty Mor), 37, has been declared the winner of Stage 1 of the 53rd La Solitaire du Figaro after Fred Duthil (Le Journal Des Enterprises) who this morning crossed the finish line in Port La Forêt one minute and one second ahead of Beaudart was given a statuary 30 minute time penalty after finishing for an equipment seal infringement.
Ironically Beaudart had narrowly led the vastly experienced 48 year old Duthil into the pretty Breton bay this morning but misread a buoy and so let Duthil through to what would have been his fifth stage win in a La Solitaire du Figaro career dating back to 2002.
A very much part time racing sailor who runs a boatyard specialising in race preparing boats and high tech painting Beaudart has multiple successes in the Mini 650 class and is credited with helping originally generate the trend for rounded 'scow' bows which has spread through the Mini, Classs 40 and now the IMOCA fleet. Now on just his third ever Figaro Beneteau 3 race Beaudart becomes the first rookie to win Stage 1 of La Solitaire du Figaro since Yves Parlier did so in 1991. The last 'bizuth' to win a stage was Italian Pietro d'Ali who triumphed on the second stage in 2005. Duthil drops to third place.
Beaudart said, "I would have preferred a classic victory but I'm still happy. I am really sorry for Fred. It was he who had the honors of crossing the finish line first. But these sealing penalties are unfortunately one of the things that happen in our sport. But I'm still happy to have won. It is quite extraordinary to arrive with first place on my very first Solitaire. I have a small cushion of a lead but the top guys go very fast. On the second stage, I will not change modes. I will continue to learn and give my all. And if there are moves to go for again, I won't hesitate."
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