11:41 PM Sun 4 Oct 2009 GMT
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'Simon McGoldrick and AUS 587'
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Night and early morning, as expected, have changed the second stage of The Charente-Maritime/Bahia 2009 Transat 6.50's layout.
That one night was difficult as experienced by the escort boats who faced 35 knots and heavy showers. And if the most of the fleet sailed west in the early evening, at dawn only four boats were sailing East, with a majority of the fleet in the West packed in the middle of the zone and a small group that continued completely West.
There was a leader for each group, both prototypes and series with Andrea Caracci (Speedy Maltese) for the east version and Thomas Ruyant (Faber France) for the west version and Bertrand Delesne (Entreprendre durablement) in the center. Joel Miro (Gaes 677), series, was also in the east while on the west side and center, were Charlie Dalin (Cherche sponsor-charliedalin.com), Xavier Mavaire (Masoco Bay), Francisco Lobato (ROFF TMN) and Henri Meyniel (Beveac Consulting) ... so there is no doubt, the first stage's leaders are ready to fight for the second stage!
At 3 pm, Bertrand Delesne (Entreprendre Durablement) was in pole position followed by Fabien Despres (Soitec), Henry Paul Schipman (Maisons de l'Avenir Urbatys), St?phane Le Diraison (Cultisol Marins Sans Fronti?res) and Laurent Bourgues (Prim'Soins)... All were just a few miles from each other and sailing at five/six knots. Thomas Ruyant which had remained West longer than the others and was 13th.
On the series side, Charlie Dalin lead the fleet followed by Xavier Macaire, Francisco Lobato, Henri Meyniel and Pierre Rolland... No significant difference and these rankings can change at each point.
Will the extreme east and west options supporters be able to capitalize on their risk-taking?
It is clear that all know one thing, the transition zone will tell all. The first to get in and out (of the zone) will feel more comfortable... But one thing is certain: it will not mean that he/she will be the king of the playground, because the difficulties are only beginning.
Finally, no major problems for the fleet:: a problem with VHF and autopilot for Maxence Desfeux (Matmut) and a problem with the pilot for Olivier Richard (Minute) were reported by the escort boats.
Ranking on Sunday, October the 4th at 15:00:
Series:
1. Charlie Dalin (Cherche sponsor-charliedalin.com) : 2 935,55 miles from the finish
2. Xavier Macaire (Masoco Bay) : 1,3 miles from the 1st
3. Francisco Lobato (ROFF TMN) : 3,22 miles from the 1st
4. Henry Meyniel (Beveac Consulting): 4,27 miles from the 1st
5. Pierre Rolland D2 Mar?e Haute) : 4,55 miles from the 1st
Prototypes:
1. Bertrand Delesne Entreprendre durablement) : 2 926,76 miles from the finish
2. Fabien Despres (Soitec): 1,84 miles from the 1st
3. Henry-Paul Schipman (Maisons de l'avenir-Urbatys) : 2,66 miles from the 1st
4. St?phane Le Diraison (Cultisol-Marins sans fronti?re) : 4,11 miles from the 1st
5. Laurent Bourgues (Prim'Soins) : 4,95 miles from the 1st
by Veronique Largeu
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