Grand Prix Petit Navire - Day 1

60 and 40 footers: the stars of the first day

The 10th edition of the Grand Prix Petit Navire began with the stars of the ocean racing fraternity this 30th April at 1100 hours, with some spectacular runs off the port of Rosmeur. For two days, the public will be able to witness these ‘Formula 1s’ of Ocean Racing up close. Indeed the finish line is right next to a sea wall which is accessible to all as the various craft hurtle by at full speed!

This morning the atmosphere was very relaxed in the Grand Prix village. The final adjustments prior to the start took the form of fond reunions and long chats over a coffee. The early morning rain in the Grand Prix Petit Navire village was chased away by a strengthening NW’ly wind, which made the afternoon’s sailing a very pleasant affair.

At 1400 hours, Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) was leading the way with a record speed of 14.92 knots, closely followed by Marc Thiercelin (DCNS 1000) with 14.54 knots and Armel Le Cleac’h (Brit Air) with 14.44 knots. At the same time, it was Bruno Jourdren (Le Pal) stealing the limelight amongst the Class 40s, with a top speed of 10.52 knots, followed by Christophe Coatnoan (Groupe Partouche) who managed 10.33 knots.

When the runs drew to a close at 1730 hours, Michel Desjoyeaux on Foncia continued to lead the rankings in the 60 foot class (15.77 knots) and he was followed by Sébastien Josse on BT (15.58 knots) and Marc Thiercelin DCNS 1000 (15.23 knots). In the Class 40 section Bruno Jourdren (Le Pal) was ultimately the day’s leader with a record of 11.44 knots, followed by Giovanni Soldini (Telecom Italia) with 11.20 knots and François Angoulvant (Fermiers de Loue Sarthe) with 11.10 knots. A total of ninety-five runs were raced today: a fine figure with which to commence with the nautical jousting!

The Douarnenez Trophy prizes were awarded at 1800 hours in the race village, which will remain open to the public throughout the event. A further highlight of the day’s festivities was the surprise guest among the IMOCA 60s measuring 18.20 metres and the 12.20 metre craft of the Class 40s; the one-design SolOceans (16 metres) made its first official sail in Douarnenez during the speed runs scheduled for today and tomorrow. The first of this ocean going series was helmed by Nicolas Bérenger.

"The Grand Prix Petit Navire in Douarnenez is a great opportunity to promote our one design", explains Yvan Griboval, who is accredited with thinking up this class designed for the Transat Jacques Vabre 2009, the Route du Rhum - Banque Postale 2010 and the Sol Océans 2011-2012. "It will also be an opportunity to make a few runs with Michel Desjoyeaux aboard to validate the modifications he recommended to us in his capacity as technical adviser to the series at the end of last summer." The one-design SolOceans had recorded a top speed of 14.10 knots by the end of the day!

Next up…

Tomorrow will see another day of record attempts and then things are set to switch to a different gear from 2nd May. Indeed the crews will have to see how they measure up in a very different type of competition, offshore on some interesting coastal courses. The prize-giving for the 60 and 40 footers in the Grand Prix Petit Navire, will take place at around 1800 hours on Sunday 3rd May, in the port of Tréboul.

The low-down on the pontoons: Gwen Chapalain, event organiser: “It’s the weather which will dictate proceedings today. At 1100 hours, just as the start line opened, the rain stopped. There were crowds of people in the village this morning. They’re happy to be here in Douarnenez and they’re relaxed because they’re here to enjoy themselves above all else. There’s no sign of any stress. The competition comes second to enjoyment and that’s how this event has been since the start. The first Dragons arrived today and we’ll begin their launch tomorrow”.

Marc Thiercelin (DCNS 1000): “After a winter refit to get the monohull DCNS 1000 back in race configuration, Christopher Pratt, the ‘apprentice 60 foot skipper’ is alongside me aboard DCNS 1000 for the Grand Prix Petit Navire. This start to the season will enable us to continue his apprenticeship in sailing. This race programme fits in nicely with the intense work we’ve been doing this winter, which he’s really been applying himself to. We got back on the water on 24th March 2009 at the base in nearby Lorient, and DCNS 1000 is now ready to show what she’s made of! This initial meeting of the season is a highly original event with four days to perform a series of high speed runs in front of crowds, followed by some coastal courses at the weekend. These coastal courses will take us out into the Mer d’Iroise, which is something the members of Team DCNS are intrigued about”.

More information at www.grandprixpetitnavire.com