Transat Jacques Vabre update, The MOD70 trimarans sprint to the finish

From the following article on bymnews

http://bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=125444

Sunday, 17 November 2013

What suspense! Heading the Transat Jacques Vabre fleet, the 70’ trimarans Edmond de Rothschild and Oman Air – Musandam are providing us with a breathtaking final, the conclusion of which could well be decided tomorrow in Itajaí (Brazil), according to the latest estimates. The end of this hellish sprint is forecast to be complicated with a cold front associated with a ridge of high pressure to be traversed before the finish. With less than 500 miles to go, aboard the trimaran fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild, the watchwords are concentration, application and determination. Firm leaders since rounding Cape Finisterre, on 9 November, Sébastien Josse and Charles Caudrelier are more determined than ever to remain in the chair right the way to the finish.

 

The very mention of Rio de Janeiro conjures up images of carnivals, Sugarloaf Mountain, Corvocado and, above all, sunshine. On a stopover in the airport of this ‘marvellous city’ before heading for the state of Santa Catarina and the city of Itajaí, part of the shore crew were able to get a bird’s eye view of the phenomenon, which is currently keeping the Edmond de Rothschild duo on its toes: namely close to 100% cloud cover, low clouds and a threatening black sky. There’s no doubt the cold front announced by router Antoine Koch has made it to Brazil.

 

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Transat Jacques Vabre update, MOD70's race into the Southern Hemisphere

From the following article on the Transat Jacques Vabre website:

http://www.transat-jacques-vabre.com/en/southern-hemisphere

The equator is already passed for both of the MOD70’s while the last Class 40 is off Lisbon. Now the fleet of the 11th Transat Jacques Vabre is spread over 3000 miles but the weather is quite similar, moderate trade winds, cloud cover to unsettle the breeze and good, effective speeds.

The MOD70 duo passed into the Southern Hemisphere last night. Around 2030hrs UTC it was Edmond de Rothschild (Josse-Caudrelier) across first and then two hours later for Oman Air-Musandam (Gavignet-Foxall), the duo in good SE trade winds of 20kts, making them speeds of around 25kts has they head towards the Brazilian coast where they should reach this afternoon. At the current rate the first to finish this Transat Jacques Vabre is expected in Itajai on November 19th, after less than 12 days at sea. But there are still potential pitfalls between the passage of Cabo Frio where the low pressures spin out from the coast, and then light winds perhaps in to Itajai. Edmond de Rothschild’s lead is cut to just over 60 miles with Charles Caudrelier admitting

“ We are in great shape but we have made a big mistake in the Doldrums against Oman. I think Sidney and Damian will have a better angle in the coming hours, but we will see"

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