Yann Guichard and his crew of Spindrift racing were first to enter the North Sea in the middle of last night, under a shining full moon and with Foncia (Michel Desjoyeaux) and Groupe Edmond de Rothschild (Sébastien Josse ) close at hand.
They sped all night in 25 to 30 knots of Westerly breeze along the Jutland peninsula in constant sail changes and maneuvers to run a safe race in tricky conditions. Rough seas and heavy winds made life onboard Spindrift racing quite difficult, « wet » as Yann Guichard succinctly put it.
Once Skaegen point at the northern part of Danemark rounded, sea conditions improved drastically and a new race, upwind, started. Guichard takes full advantage of his leading position as the fleet must go through a « security gate » set up by the Race Comitee in order for the trimarans to stay clear of the huge oil and gas fields, as well as of the main maritime routes.
But as the big MOD70s get closer to the straight of Dover, things will open up and Guichard expects plenty of action as his opponents will have the open Channel to try and pass him.
In the meantime, R&R, Rest and Recuperation, are the motto of the day. Spindrift racing crew is divided in 3 watches of two men each. While two men steer and control the boat, two men rest and stay alert in case of heavy maneuvers. The remaining two get a well deserved sleep.
But this cosy organisation should not last long as the fleet near the straight of Dover. A high pressure system is settling over the Channel and very light air is expected, making watch and anticipation on board all the most urgent, with all human resources available on deck.
Classement à 14h30 le 3 septembre 2012
1. Spindrift racing
2. Foncia (5,5 milles)
3. Groupe Edmond de Rothschild (14,2 milles)
4. Musandam-Oman Sail (49,3 milles)
5. Race for Water (70,6milles)