Transat Jacques Vabre In-Port Race in Itajaii

Oman Air-Musandam Transat Jacques Vabre duo Sidney Gavignet and Damian Foxall closed the 2013 MOD70 season on a high yesterday when they won the Transat Jacques Vabre 30nm in port race in Itajaii – the final hurdle of the month long event.

After a few days of rest, the MOD70s, Multi50s and IMOCA60s gathered in Itajaii for a final showdown for the loyal Brazilian supporters who came to watch despite the unseasonable grey weather.

"We started with the other classes in about 17 to 24 knots," said a delighted Sidney Gavignet back ashore after the race. "We had the whole shore team on board with us – Suleiman, Phil, Loick and Marine all came out which was great, and we also had four Brazilian guests and Erwan Le Roux, the skipper of Fenetrea Cardinal.

"The race with Edmond de Rothschild was great – we started behind them, but battled to regain some ground, passed them and managed to get quite far ahead before they caught up and took the lead again when we messed up a couple of manoeuvres. But we fought back and when they missed a mark rounding we were ready to pounce and beat them across the line.

"We are delighted to finish the season on such a high note, especially with the whole team on board!"

The duo have had some time to reflect on the Transat Jacques Vabre since the finish; Sidney returned home to his family for a few days while Damian has spent his time in Itajaii working with the local kids projects in the area as part of his shore based job as an ambassador for the Canadian Wildlife Foundation "Saltwater Cities Kids project" that raises awareness of the importance of the oceans amongst the younger generation.

"We have been visiting the local schools here and doing boat tours for kids on Oman Air-Musandam, children are very much at the heart of what Oman Sail is working to achieve in the Sultanate of Oman, introducing a generation to sailing, and during our stay in Itajaii I've had the chance to share the Omani project with other schools and also to introduce them to the Canadian Wildlife Foundation's Saltwater Cities Kids project which is a programme that I work with."

Back in Paris, Sidney analysed the race: "With a bit of time to reflect, I can honestly say that we had a magnificent race. We went a lot faster that we expected and now we have experienced these speeds, we want to try to push even further and faster. Analysing the race was a double-edged sword, as we know exactly where we made mistakes and lost our chance at victory, but on the upside, we also know how we can improve and for a first experience we probably wouldn't have done anything different. The partnership with Damian was excellent and also with Jean-Francois Cuzon our router."

Damian Foxall, Ireland's most successful offshore sailor, was philosophical: "In any competition you try to get as close to perfection as possible, to give it 110% and to finish without regrets. You try to make as few mistakes as you can and give it your all.

"Sidney and I definitely gave it 110%, but we did make some mistakes with our strategy and technique which ultimately affected our result. The race was won or lost on decisions that we made before and during the race, and not through a lack of effort. The whole team can be proud of what it has achieved."

With the Transat Jacques Vabre now concluded for the MOD70, Sidney Gavignet will return to Paris for the Boat Show. His next event for Oman Sail is scheduled to be EFG Bank Sailing Arabia – The Tour from 9-24 February. And Damian is returning to Canada where he lives for some family time. "Finishing the event on a high note is a great way to end the Oman Air-Musandam MOD70 season which began with a couple of local French events in the spring, followed by the Route des Princes, the Artemis Challenge and the Rolex Fasnet Race. It has been a super season and our thanks to Oman Sail and Oman Air!" said Sidney.

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