Samuel Piqueur (La 1ère France TV Info Martinique) reports that the start of the NIJI 40 Belle-Île-en-mer / Marie-Galante Transat took place at 1:00pm today: Sunday, April 7, 2024. The first boats are expected in Guadeloupe in about two weeks. “Guadeloupean sailor Keni Piperol got off to an excellent start in calm seas, before [what may be] more complicated conditions on Monday morning.” Piqueur writes:
It was 1:00pm sharp (local time) when the sea beasts were released. With all sails hoisted, they set course for the horizon and their dream: Marie-Galante. Before reaching the island of a hundred mills and listening to Laurent Voulzy sing his legendary hit, the skippers have a long way and storms to brave.
Before setting off, they were able to take advantage of one last sunny day to say goodbye to their family and to the large public who came to greet them. A few tears were shed, notably from Futunian Lomano Tokasi – teammate of Keni Piperol in this race – who will discover the joys of a first crossing of the Atlantic. On the starting pontoons, Guadeloupean Keni Piperol seemed stressed before his seventh transatlantic.
Very good start for “Captain Alternance”
“Captain Alternance,” the boat helmed by the two transatlantic crossers Keni Piperol and Lomano Tokasi, accompanied by Jeremy Jourdrain, made a very good start. Piperol does not hide his ambitions; he hopes to reach the front of the pack in Marie-Galante, his father’s island. With his teammates, they act as outsiders in this competition.
Three favorites are already emerging thanks to their references in offshore racing. We can mention the EVARIAL crew, composed of Thomas Rouxel (third in this race in 2007 when it was still run solo), Erwan Le Draoulec, and Corentin Horeau. There is also “AMARIS,” by the experienced Gildas Mahé, with Tom Dolan and Pep Costa. Finally, to this list we can add “SNEF” by Xavier Macaire, Pierre Le Boucher, and Carlos Manera Pascual.
A first storm from Monday morning
After their mini tour of the island, the skippers will head for the Gulf of Gasconne, where they are expected to encounter a first storm. To avoid damage from the start, the organizers decided last night – Saturday 06/04 – to add a virtual crossing point to avoid the worst of the depression.
Navigators will therefore be forced to head towards the north of Spain. A decision that none of the sailors entered in this race “validated” according to Guadeloupean Keni Piperol. After this low-pressure front, the 13 sailboats will be able to hoist their large sails and glide towards “the islands of the sun,” says Gildas Morvan, winner of the transatlantic race in 2009 and race director.
The first skippers are expected in Marie-Galante in a fortnight.
For original article (in French), see https://la1ere.francetvinfo.fr/transat-belle-ile-marie-galante-le-grand-depart-a-ete-donne-1478471.html
For more of the race, see https://www.class40.com/en/actualites/10047-niji-main-sponsor-of-the-2024-transat-belle-ile-marie-galante.htm
[Photo above by JEAN-MARIE LIOT: The departure of the first NIJI 40 Belle-Ile-en-mer / Marie-Galante took place today. The skippers are now heading towards Marie-Galante which they will reach in around two weeks.]
Samuel Piqueur (La 1ère France TV Info Martinique) reports that the start of the NIJI 40 Belle-Île-en-mer / Marie-Galante Transat took place at 1:00pm today: Sunday, April 7, 2024. The first boats are expected in Guadeloupe in about two weeks. “Guadeloupean sailor Keni Piperol got off to an excellent start in calm seas, before [what
