Fuente info Tranat 650
October 19. 2009
Faster and faster!
After the equator, Thomas Ruyant (Faber France) has left the archipelago of Fernando do Noronha starboard (right). A little paradise on earth he has passed at full speed catching 12.02 knots between two positioning... On the side of Series, the battle is hard and nothing is done yet for the second stage. Charlie Dalin (cherche sponsor charliedalin.com) is taking back some miles from Francisco Lobato (ROFF TMN) that is still leading tonight.
Impressive! Really impressive to see the power of the Finot-Conq and the control of the skipper who is now 65 miles away from the second HP Schipman (Maisons de l’avenir-Urbatys). With in his wake, Francois Cuinet (Plan Jardin); François that continues to push his Plan Bouvet 2002, but that can only observe the maestro, the young and talented Thomas. He is now 74 miles behind! And it continues with the two plans Manuard launched at 12.53 knots for Bertrand Delesne (Entreprendre durablement) and 12.33 knots for Stéphane Le Diraison (Cultisol-Marins sans frontières). That have to do something, it is now or never, and they know it.
Yet, the accordion played its favourite tune once more out of the Doldrums and Thomas managed to establish almost 100 miles between him and the 5th...
The battle did take place...
If the first step has quickly turned into Francisco Lobato’s (ROFF TMN), “one boat show” this is not the same for the second! 1.48 miles separate the Portuguese still in pole position from Charlie Dalin (cherche sponsor charliedalin.com) that comes back... inexorably. Very soon, Charlie will grab the first place of the ranking from the Portuguese that must head to southeast and get back on the direct route. As the archipelago Fernando do Noronha is there, right in the centre of the road...
In 3rd place, Ricardo Apolloni (Ma Vie pour Mapei) continues to hang on and he is 25 miles behind the leading duo, it is important to note that the Italian was able to establish 20 miles of distance between him and the group of pursuers. A group completed by Fabien Sellier (Surfrider Foundation), Mathis Prochasson (Manupoki Avico) - author of a fantastic comeback - also Antoine Debled (Regionsjob.com), Xavier Macaire (Masoco Bay), Giancarlo Pedote (Prysmian), Matthieu Galland (Groupe Setec), Sébastien Rogues (Eole Generation- GDF SUEZ)... All are shoulder to shoulder and navigate at sight.
Last in the Doldrums...
They are still around ten to suffer in the Doldrums... Paradoxically, there are more prototypes still caught in there than Series. But for most they are heading to the South flow that will lead them to the southeast flow that forecasts the trade winds. Among those that are still "stuck" is Izabel Pimentel, Fabrice Germond, Staale Jordan, Carolina Vieille and Maxence Desfeux which brings up the rear at 8°27 North. For Series, Emmanuel Laurent is still in a complicated area... at 8°52 North.
ETA: Estimated Time of Arrival
Positioning - 3 pm - Thomas Ruyant (Faber France) is expected in Salvador de Bahia on Thursday the 22nd of October in the morning.
Ranking at 3 pm, on Monday the 19th of October
Series:
1 - Francisco Lobato (ROFF TMN) 861.92 miles from the finish
2 - Charlie Dalin (cherche sponsor charliedalin.com) 1.48 miles from the leader
3 - Ricardo Apolloni (Ma Vie pour Mapei) 24.66 miles of the leader
4 - Fabien Sellier (Surfrider Foundation) 49.53 miles leader
5 - Mathis Prochasson (Manupoki-Avico) 59.86 miles of the leader
Prototypes:
1 - Thomas Ruyant (Faber France) 630.14 miles from the finish
2 - Henri-Paul Schipman (Maisons de l'avenir Urbatys) 65.68 miles of the leader
3 - François Cuinet (Plan jardin) 73.43 miles of the leader
4 - Bertrand Delesne (Entreprendre Durablement) 87.01 miles behind the leader.
5 - Stéphane Le Diraison (Cultisol Marins sans frontière) 90.44 miles of the leader
