Over 130 catamarans signed up for the 30th edition of EurOcat 2016 in Carnac (France). This year the podium was totally different compared to 2015. Orion Martin & Charles Gate are the big winners this year. They not only won the long distance race but also had three 1st positions in the other races. The Belgiums August Maene & Thomas de Somer ended in 2nd position. Simon Northrop & Josh O’brien ended 3rd overall.
Simon Flack (GBR) reports: “Well what can I say! Long distance race day we were blessed with what can only be described as perfect conditions …. !! 20knts and blue skies!! After a hilarious briefing that only the French can pull off boats headed out of the lagoon. A gated line and a mass start worked really well heading north for a short beat back to the spectators at the yacht club before turning west and death reaching and three sail twin stringing towards the coast line at maximum speeds took its toll with many pitch poles amongst the fleet. Flack & Green made first F18 to the windward mark closely followed by Northrop & O’Brien and the rest of the fleet. The foilers blasted ahead, Sunnucks & Self showing mind bending speeds along with Piggott & Stoneham and the other flying boats. All the leaders seemed to go too high and myself and others went bows down and made a lot of ground on their rivals. Approaching the island and at full tilt the swell and chop became wildly confused and hard to read with yet more boats going down the mine! The back of the island conditions were smooth and gave crews a chance for food and drinks before dropping the kites with the craggy island and rolling Atlantic swell all around and heading back ‘up the hill’ on what was a hard slog back to the finish!!!
A great day, fantastic sail and a lovely meal all together, which I’m told rarely happens so a great way to celebrate and relax – very fitting considering its Carnacs 30th birthday and maybe the last time the Brits come in any quantity!! Well done everyone, well done indeed!!!”
No more information is available yet, but here are some drone videos of the races. Enjoy!
More photos and videos can be found here on the Carnac website.
Video credits: readyprod.com
Photo creditis: RBSC & YCCarnac