Skipper Macif take an early lead in Transat AG2R La Mondiale - Day 1

Start of the Transat AG2R La Mondiale © Alexis Courcoux

Start of the Transat AG2R La Mondiale © Alexis Courcoux

At 1308 CET, the 13th edition of the biennial Transat AG2R La Mondiale got underway – a 3,890nm transatlantic race from Concarneau to St Barts via La Palma.

Conditions for the start were light. Eight knots of breeze propelled the fleet over the start line under spinnaker and beneath the cloudy skies of Concarneau.

Of the 15 double-handed teams gathered for the start, it was Figaro young guns and pre-race favourites Charlie Dalin and Yoann Richomme who took an early and expected lead off the startline – driving away under their distinctive blue spinnaker, chased by an impressive flotilla of spectator boats.

Both only in their early 30's, Dalin and Richomme hail from the next generation of Figaro legends. Regular names in the Class Figaro Bénéteau top five, the pairing make for a formidable duo aboard 'Skipper Macif' – with Dalin having won the race before onboard 'Cercle Vert' with Figaro giant Gildas Morvan in 2012.

Proving even the pro's get nervous, Dalin admitted on the dock this morning: "I'm always wondering if I've forgotten something. The boat is 400 kilograms heavier than it would be starting the Solitaire Bompard – Le Figaro, which changes the way you sail – you have to change your set up, it changes the way the boat feels and it's a lot more uncomfortable in swell! The first 36 to 48 hours is the time you have to right any problems."

Both Dalin and Richomme compete annually in the 2000nm Solitaire Bompard – Le Figaro, a multi-stage solo Figaro race between European host venues.

Apprehension was the emotion of the day on the docks, for both the seasoned ocean racers and the pale faced Rookies, all preparing to race almost 4,000nm across the Atlantic aboard a 33ft boat.

British skippers Sam Matson and Robin Elsey, one of four Rookie teams and the only team without French expertise amongst their crew, also got off to a solid start aboard their Figaro 'Artemis'. After sailing a well-put together inshore leg, the pair is now settling comfortably into sixth position as the fleet sails into the first night of competition.

Ahead of the start both Brits, from the south west of England, were in high spirits but understandably apprehensive, preparing to take on the great unknown.

"I really just want to get going now," Elsey admitted as he left the dock. "We've packed up the boat with everything we think we might need and have looked at the weather for the first few days, but after that, we're into the unknown.

"Both Sam and I prefer racing oceanic passages to inshore tactical courses and the AG2R is one long oceanic passage, so hopefully it will suit us quite well."

After a light and tricky start to the race, conditions are set to rev up to 20 knots as the fleet approach the Bay of Biscay. Once across the formidable Bay, the fleet should then hopefully latch onto to the trade winds after La Palma.

With a consistent 20 to 25 knots currently forecast for most of the race, the 2016 Transat AG2R La Mondiale could be one of the fastest yet.

Leaving Concarneau on Sunday 3rd April, with the current forecast, the first boat could arrive at St Barts as early as Friday 22nd April.

You can track the race at transat.ag2rlamondiale.fr

A solid start for Sam Matson and Robin Elsey by Artemis Offshore Academy

After a solid start, sailing a very good race around the initial inshore section of the course, Matson and Elsey are now settling comfortably into sixth position. Talented Figarists and pre-race favourites Yoann Richomme and Charlie Dalin, co-skippering Skipper Macif, took a well earned and expected early lead – now setting the pace as the fleet races into the first night.

First timers to this one-design transatlantic race, the Brits are one of four Rookie duos taking part. Ahead of the start the sailors, both from the south west of England, were in high spirits but understandably apprehensive, preparing to take on the great unknown.

"I really just want to get going now," Elsey admitted as he left the dock. "We've packed up the boat with everything we think we might need and have looked at the weather for the first few days, but after that, we're into the unknown.

"Both Sam and I prefer racing oceanic passages to inshore tactical courses and the AG2R is one long oceanic passage, so hopefully it will suit us quite well."

After fresh conditions in the Bay of Biscay, the fleet will make its way south and eventually pick what are expected to be generally consistent trade winds as the yachts head downwind towards the Caribbean.

"We were looking at a pretty wild ride across Biscay, but the winds have calmed a little," said Matson. "We don't expect to see much more than 25 knots for the full 3,890 miles of the race now.

"However, the wind is consistent. After a fast run across Biscay in around 20 knots we round Cape Finisterre and head for La Palma. After La Palma we should, fingers crossed, pick up the trade winds and continue at a similar speed."

Elsey continued: "We're actually looking at one of the fastest AG2R's yet. The record is 19 days and we're looking at an ETA of around 18/19 days. It could be a really nice clean and fast race across the Atlantic."