First Leg: Erquy – Bréhat
First Warning signal was scheduled 11:00, but it was dead calm in front of Erquy Harbor at this time, so decision was made to tow the fleet heading West, as information was provided wind was rising at the other end of Saint Brieuc Bay.
Actually, wind came shortly after the fleet to cross Rohein lighthouse, and the Race Committee chaired by Pierre-Charles Barraud quickly laid a proper starting line, Caffa buoy being the next mark to round after the Offset buoy..
Title contenders immediately showed up, Erussard/Moreau, Dary/Fanouillère, Chevrier/Cosse & Burvill/Puttman starting their five days fight…
A tight group, consisting of Dary/Fanouillère, Masurel brothers, Erussard/Moreau & Touchot/Hainneville, rounded first La Roselière mark, Burvill/Puttman following a few lengths behind.
Then a long reach started, heading to East cardinal buoy “Les Calemarguiers”, marking the entrance of the channel to Bréhat.
Due to their incredible speed, Aussies gradually caught up with their opponents, and were the first to race to the finish, crossing the line one second (!) ahead Erussard/Moreau, closely followed by Dary/Fanouillère.
Surprise came when Brett Burvill lodged a protest against Emeric Dary for infringing Rule 10 one minute and thirty seconds after the start. Hearing was held next day in Perros Guirec, where International Jury sanctionned Dary with a 10 minutes Discretionary Penalty… Better had to make his turn!
Thanks to Les Glénans Sailing School, it was possible to park all the boats on the island, before joining Crec’h Kerio restaurant for a three course dinner.
All pictures: Paul & Dominique Malécot