Grand Prix Petit Navire - Day 2

Final speed runs

The Grand Prix Petit Navire for the Imoca 60 footers and the Class 40 footers has enjoyed a second day in the glorious sunshine of southern Finistère. And there was certainly no respite for the sailors this May Day. On the programme was a whole day of speed runs in the bay of Douarnenez. It was also the official start of festivities, punctuated by the launch of a whole host of Dragons, which are set to begin racing tomorrow.

The WNW’ly wind filled slightly over the course of the day from 10 to 13 knots and the 17 crews had a tremendous time, linking together one run after another off the port of Rosmeur. The first tacks early on this morning were more favourable to Brit Air in the Imoca 60 foot category and Telecom Italia in the Class 40 category. In the afternoon, Foncia snatched back pole position, and Zed 4 led the Class 40s. At the end of this second and final day of runs, it was Giovanni Soldini (Telecom Italia) who was the leader of the 40 foot ranking, with 10.31 knots, followed by Bruno Jourdren (Le Pal) with 9.64 knots and Peter Harding (40 Degrees) with 9.62 knots. Marc Thiercelin (DCNS) was the first of the 60 footers with 14.12 knots, Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia) second with 14.04 knots and Sébastien Josse (BT) third, with 13.99 knots. Tomorrow, these speed runs will give way to a coastal course as far as the Mer d’Iroise.

In the Class 40s, despite the fact that the French contingent were out in force making up over half the number of entrants, it was Italian sailor Giovanni Soldini and his 100% Italian crew who dominated the class, after winning the Transat Jacques Vabre 2007 and The Artemis Transat 2008. “It’s the second time we’ve come here because we like the great racing. It’s always very entertaining to be back in Douarnenez; there’s always a lovely atmosphere”. Giovanni is also the winner of the last Grand Prix Petit Navire, where he also raced in the Class 40 category. “We won last year but it’s not easy: this year there is stiff competition and, in my view, anyone could win it. Bruno Jourdren’s just one such character… He’s a talented skipper and he has a crew of experienced sailors.”

The official opening of festivities

The Senator Mayor of Douarnenez, Philippe Paul, was present at the official opening ceremony for the 10th edition of the Grand Prix Petit Navire late today. “The feeling I have about this event is very positive!” explains the mayor. “This year we’re already going to be celebrating its 10th anniversary! I still remember the early days. I didn’t really know if this event would work. Nevertheless, the Société des Régates in Douarnenez has done a fantastic job as today the Grand Prix Petit Navire is well known and widely recognised”.

Indeed it’s the event which launches a whole series of summer events for Douarnenez. “The Grand Prix Petit Navire is naturally a good way of promoting the town and, what’s more, there is something for everyone; those who are interested in Ocean Racing, Dragons, Kitesurfing and, more generally, maritime culture”.

The low-down on the pontoons this morning

Kito de Pavant is sailing on the Class 40 Le Pal, skippered by Bruno Jourdren: “As a thoroughbred Mediterranean, I was a bit worried about the racing yesterday morning due to the rain. We won and, in addition to that, we kept improving upon our record throughout the afternoon. Today we’re going to race the same kind of event and, what’s entertaining about the runs is that you don’t even know your position in relation to the others. All of a sudden you find you aren’t under much pressure: you race against the clock and not against the others, which is nice. Tomorrow we’re going to race some coastal courses which will be even more interesting!”

Sébastien Josse, skipper of the IMOCA 60, BT: “Yesterday we had a very good day, even though it was a bit rainy in the morning. We came 2nd. The wind kicked back in during the afternoon, which enabled us to stay out on the water right through to 1700 hours. Today it’s the same principal but there’s a bit less wind. Tomorrow the racing will get even more exciting with even more strategy and tactics involved. In the speed runs yesterday and today the main aim is to be quick, but that’s all going to change tomorrow. The Grand Prix Petit Navire is the first race of the season and it’s an event which appeals to me because it’s both useful and enjoyable: along with the crew you can invite other people to sail on our boats. Yesterday, for instance, there were 10 of us aboard BT.”

More information at www.grandprixpetitnavire.com