Finistère Sail Tour: Rounded off in style
by Thaïs Cathelineau 11 Aug 2015 20:41 BST
2-8 August 2015
Racing from Aber Wrac'h to Douarnenez in the 30th Finistère Sail Tour © Pascal Alemany
The 30th Finistère Sail Tour rounded off in style on Saturday with its finest day of sailing. Throughout the week, the weather put the organisers to the test, forcing them to adapt day in day out to provide the 106 boats with a Tourduf that was true to form. The results were spectacular.
Competition and a sociable ambiance is a combination, which works wonders. " Some 30 years ago, we'd have never imagined it would continue for so many years, says René Blanchard, a former competitor and now President of the Organisation Committee and the Race Committee. Initially it was a short race with around twenty boats, which year on year has developed to be the major event we know today. The participants come back again and again as the racing is of a high standard... and the atmosphere is unique".
On land and at sea, the organisation team was really put to the test this week. Each time, it was able to bounce back and the crews are unanimous in their support: the Race Committee always managed to make the right decisions for the safety of the race.
At times the various situations became complicated and the solidarity between the participants shone through each time. Between the big boats, which towed the little ones, the experienced sailors who advised the novices in the rough weather, and even the host venues, which had to modify their programme so as to adapt to the vagaries of the weather... solidarity reigned.
"It was a very fine race, explains Karine from the crew on "Drôles de Dames", we'll be back next year in a bid to secure a better result". Aboard "Bidourik 2", the Le Vaillant family hadn't competed in the Tourduf for a few years, " but it was just as we remembered it and it's just as wonderful as ever. We didn't really know where we'd come in terms of results, but we were keen to do well. It's fantastic to end the week with a victory", said a delighted Alain.
For the very first time, the Tour even welcomed an Italian crew, who relished the " fantastic atmosphere and the very high standard! Thank you to everyone. We've learnt a great deal," concludes Davide Rizzi.
On that international note, the Nautisme en Finistère and the Finistère Department's Sailing Committee look forward to welcoming crews everywhere for the 31 st Finistère Sail Tour in 2016.
tour-finistere-voile.com/gbr